University  of  California  •  Berkeley 

Gift  of 

THE  ESTATE  OF 
VICTOR  WOLFGANG  VON  HAGEN 


QUEEN  MOCVS  TALISMAN 


THE  FALL  OF  THE  MAYA  EMPIRE 


BY 

ALICE  DIXON  LE  PLONGEON. 


AUTHOR    OF 


"HERE  AND  THERE  IN  YUCATAN"— "  YUCATAN,  ITS  ANCIENT 
PALACES  AND  MODERN. CITIES,"  ETC. 


NEW   YORK. 
PETER  ECKLER,  PUBLISHER, 

35  FULTON  STREET. 


SOLE  AGENT, 

DR.  AUGUSTUS  LE  PLONGEON,  18  SIDNEY  PLACE,  BROOKLYN,  N.  Y. 

LONDON,  ENGLAND.— KEEGAN  PAUL,  TRENCH,  TRUBNER  &  Co.,  PATERNOSTER  HOUSE 
CHARING  CROSS  ROAD,  W.  C. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  June.  1902,  by  ALICE  DIXON  LE  PLONGEOX, 
in  the  office  ol  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


All  rights  reserved. 


doctor  Jlugnstns  J^e  $(ongeony 

inspired    these    pages,    ifieir   author 
dedicates  them:  not  as  a  wrtfiy  offering,  6uf  as 

j£  Smaff  ^o^eu 
Of  hving  endeavor  to  gratify  His  oft  expressed  desire. 


,  JO.  1,  J^la,  1902, 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Engraved  by  F.  A.  RINGLER  &  Co.,  of  New  York,  from  photo- 
graphs and  drawings  by 

DR.  AUGUSTUS  LE  PLONGEON. 

PLATE  PAGE 

I.     Author's  portrait  (Frontispiece) 

II.  Prince  Coh  in  battle — tracing  from  fresco  painting  on 
walls  of  Coh's  funeral  chamber,  in  Memorial  Hall  at 
Chiclien.  ....  35 

III.  Mausoleum  of  High  Priest  Cay,  at  Chichen.         .         .         .41 

IV.  Queen  Moo's  portrait — Demi-relief  on  entablature  of  east 

fa9ade  of  Governor's  House  at  Uxmal.  ...  43 

V.  Portrait  of  High  Priest  Cay.  From  a  sculpture  on  the 
west  side  of  the  pyramid  called  the  Dwarf's  House 
at  Uxmal.  (Discovered  on  June  ist,  1881,  by  Dr.  Le 

Plongeon). 47 

VI.     Prince  Coh's  portrait.     His  statue  discovered  by  Dr.  Le 

Plongeon  at  Chicuen  in  1875 53 

VII.     Prince  Coh's  Memorial  Hall  at  Chicrien.     Restoration  by 

Dr.  Le  Plongeon.          ......          -55 

VIII.     Prince  Aac's  Portrait.     From  a  sculptured  wooden  lintel 
over  the  door  of  the  funeral  chamber  in  Memorial  Hall 

at  Chichen.          ....          .  61 

(v) 


vi  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PLATS  PAGE 

APPENDIX — Music. 

IX.     Invocation  to  the  Sun 36 

X.    He  and  She 36 

XL    The  Dancers'  Song 37 

XII.    The  Lover's  Song .38 

XIII.    Funeral  Chant 38 

HEAD  PIECES. 

I.     Winged   Circle — from  Ococingo  (Guatemala).         .         .       25 
II.     Winged  Circle — from  Egypt.  .         .         .         .         .65 

III.  Queen  Moo's  Talisman,  found  in  the  urn  containing  the 
charred  heart  and  Viscera  of  Prince  Coh,  in  his  Mauso- 
leum, at  Chiclien  in  1875,  by  Dr.  Le  Plongeon.  .  .  77 


PRONUNCIATION  AND   DEFINITION  OF 
MAYA  PROPER   NAMES. 


A  AC  (Ak,  as  in  dark.}  Name  of  a  prince. 

BALAM  (Ba-la'm,  a  as  mfar.}  God  of  agriculture. 

CAN  (Kan,  a  as  in  far.}  Title  of  kings. 

CAY  (Ka-ee.)  Name  of  a  high  priest. 

CHICFtEN  (Chee-chen,  chec  as  in  cheek?)     Name  of  a  city. 

COH  (Ko.)  Name  of  a  prince  consort. 

HOMEN  (Ho-men,  o  as  in  no.}  God  of  volcanic  forces. 

KU  (Koo,  oo  as  in  moon.}  The  Supreme  Intelligence. 

MAYA  (Ma-ya,  a  as  in  far.}  Name  of  a  nation. 

M6O  (Mo,  o  as  in  no.}  Name  of  a  queen. 

MU  (Moo,  oo  as  in  moon.}  Name  of  a  country. 

NICTlS  (Nik-tay.)  Name  of  a  princess. 

YUM  CIMIL  (Yoom  Ke6mil.)  God  of  death. 

ZOD  (Zodz.)  Name  of  a  queen. 

(vii) 


PREFACE. 


N  justice  to  the  author  of  "Queen  Moo's  Talisman",  it 
may  be  recorded  that  at  the  time  of  its  writing,  there 
was  no  intention  of  allowing  the  verses  to  go  into  print ;  they 
were  penned  only  for  the  one  to  whom  they  are  dedicated. 

The  songs  introduced  have  been  arranged  to  the  metre  of  the 
two  or  three  ancient  melodies  yet  occasionally  heard  among  the 
natives  of  Yucatan.  The  one  to  the  rain  gods  is  a  versification 
(set  to  the  tune  even  now  used  in  a  sun-dance)  of  an  old  Maya 
prayer  translated  from  that  language  by  Dr.  L,e  Plongeon  and 
published  in  his  work  "  Queen  Moo  and  the  Egyptian  Sphinx. " 
The  melody  to  which  the  L,ove  Song  is  set  is  not  Maya.  In 
connection  with  the  lines  touching  upon  love  and  pain  it  may 
be  remarked  that  in  the  Maya  language  there  is  but  one  word  to 
express  both. 

In  this  poem  are  represented  as  nearly  as  possible,  the  re- 
ligious ideas  of  the  Mayas,  their  belief  in  K  U,  the  Supreme 
Intelligence  ;  in  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  and  in  successive 

(ix) 


x  PREFACE. 

lives  on  earth  before  returning  to  the  great  Source  whence  all 
emanate ;  also  their  rites  and  ceremonies  as  gathered  from 
traditions  of  the  natives  of  Yucatan,  the  fresco  paintings  found 
at  Chictlen,  and  the  books  of  ancient  Maya  authors. 

As  the  general  reader  can  hardly  be  expected  to  be  familiar 
with  the  peculiar  customs  and  ideas  of  the  natives  of  Central 
America,  these  are  sufficiently  set  forth  in  the  Introduction,  a 
careful  perusal  of  which  will  greatly  contribute  to  an  apprecia- 
tion of  the  poem. 

Attention  is  also  invited  to  the  separate  page  containing  a  list 
of  the  Maya  names  and  their  meanings. 

The  second  part  of  this  narrative  poem  must  be  regarded  not 
as  a  matter  of  belief  on  the  part  of  the  author,  but  solely  as 
having  been  suggested  by  the  belief  of  the  natives  who  worked 
for  Dr.  L,e  Plongeon  in  his  explorations  among  the  ruins  of 
Chichen. 


INTRODUCTION. 


,HE  word  Maya,  though  not  familiar  to  modern  ears,  is  a 
most  interesting  one  to  the  antiquary.  It  appears  to  have 
originated  with  the  great  nation  whose  people,  as  well  as  their 
language  and  country,  bore  that  name,  even  thousands  of  years 
back  ;  their  empire  extended  over  the  land  comprised  between 
the  isthmus  of  Tehuantepec  and  that  of  Darien  ;  known  collect- 
ively to-day  as  Central  America. 

Dr.  Le  Plongeon  has  shown  that  in  Yucatan  and  in  Egypt  the 
radical  M  A,  of  the  word  Maya,  meant  earth  and  place.  This 
word  was  used  by  Hindoo  sages  to  indicate  matter,  the  earth,  as 
it  is  found  in  their  cosmogonic  diagram.  All  matter  being  re- 
garded as  illusion,  the  word  maya,  in  India,  has  that  meaning. 
The  mother  of  Buddha  was  Maya  Devi  (Beautiful  Illusion). 
Maya  is  matter,  the  feminine  energy  of  Brahma.  But  in  the 
Indian  epic,  "Ramayana",  Maya  is  spoken  of  as  a  great  ma- 
gician, an  architect,  a  terrible  warrior  and  famous  navigator, 
who  took  forcible  possession  of,  and  settled  in,  the  countries  at 

(xi) 


xii  INTRODUCTION. 

the  south  of  the  Hindostan  peninsula.  Plainly,  the  poet  per- 
sonified as  one  hero  the  Maya  colonists  who  long  ago  made  their 
way  westward,  across  the  Pacific,  and  settled  there. 

On  the  shores  of  the  Mediterranean  we  find  nations  whose 
ancestors  seem  to  have  been  intimate  with  the  Mayas,  for  the 
names  of  their  country,  of  their  cities,  and  of  their  divinities  can 
be  traced  to  the  Maya  tongue.  Furthermore,  their  traditions, 
customs,  architecture,  mode  of  dress,  weapons,  and  even  their 
alphabetical  letters  are  like  those  of  the  Mayas.  From  records 
in  stone  and  MSS.  we  learn  something  of  the  philosophy  of  the 
Maya  sages  ;  and  the  same  ideas  are  found  among  nations  living 
in  Asia  and  Africa. 

Nothing  could  be  more  significant  than  the  universality  of  the 
word  Maya.  In  one  country  it  is  the  name  of  a  god  or  goddess  ; 
in  another  that  of  a  hero  or  heroine  ;  elsewhere  that  of  a  cast, 
tribe  or  country.  This  word  is  never  used  to  indicate  anything 
unimportant.  In  Greece  the  goddess  Maia  was  daughter  of 
Atlas,  mother  of  Hermes,  the  good  mother  Kubele,  the  Earth, 
Mother  of  the  gods.  We  see  a  vestige  of  her  worship  in  the  still 
popular  festival  of  the  Maya  or  May  Queen,  fair  goddess  of  spring, 
May,  that  very  month  when  the  Earth,  matter,  Maya,  lives 
again,  refreshed  by  the  nourishing  rain  which,  then  particularly, 
after  a  season  of  drought,  pours  down  upon  those  latitudes  where 
the  Maya  nation  had  its  birth. 

The  Maypole  dance  is  yet  performed  among  the  natives  of 
Yucatan,  the  land  where  it  probably  originated.  The  dancers 
are  invariably  thirteen  in  number,  which  may  be  another  rem- 
iniscence of  the  land  submerged  beneath  the  waves  of  the 
Atlantic  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  Maya  month  of  Zac. 

This  Maypole  dance,  called  in  Yucatan  "Ribbon  Dance"  is 


INTRODUCTION.  xiii 

unquestionably  a  vestige  of  sun  worship  ;  the  ancients,  versed  in 
astronomy,  thus  celebrated  the  sun's  entrance  into  Taurus,  and 
the  vernal  equinox.  The  Maypole,  as  known  in  Europe,  has 
been  satisfactorily  shown  to  be  the  remains  of  an  ancient  institu- 
tion of  Persia,  India,  and  Egypt,  where  Maya  civilization  was 
carried  in  past  ages.  The  May  Queen  is  a  personification  of  the 
goddess  Maya,  the  feminine  forces  of  nature  ;  possibly  too  of  that 
Maya  country  whence  it  came.  In  Yucatan  there  is  no  queen 
connected  with  the  dance  ;  there  it  is  and  was  sun  worship  pure 
and  simple. 

In  Yucatan,  as  in  the  British  Isles  and  elsewhere,  the  pole  is 
planted  before  the  residences  of  leading  citizens,  and  the  dance 
is  performed  for  a  recompense.  In  Ireland  the  dancers  wore 
over  their  other  dress  white  shirts,  a  detail  which  becomes  inter- 
esting in  view  of  the  fact  that  the  Maya  people  always  dress  ex- 
clusively in  white. 

In  Dr.  Le  Plongeon's  prolonged  studies  among  the  remarkable 
Ruins  on  the  Yucatan  peninsula,  after  finding,  by  much  patient 
endeavor,  a  clue  to  the  hieroglyphic  signs  covering  the  walls  of 
ancient  palaces  and  temples,  he  clearly  saw  that  the  word  CAN 
was  inscribed  in  a  variety  of  ways  on  all  the  buildings,  and  as 
he  advanced  in  his  studies,  he  learned  that  this  had  been  the 
title  of  several  monarchs  who  constituted  a  powerful  dynasty. 
It  is  a  remarkably  interesting  fact  that  the  same  title,  spelled 
Khau,  is  to-day  given  to  rulers  in  many  of  the  Asiatic  nations  ; 
furthermore,  the  principal  emblem  on  the  banners  of  those  Khans 
is  the  serpent  or  dragon. 

Continued  research,  including  excavations  and  a  close  study 
of  every  object  found,  together  with  several  tableaux  of  mural 
paintings,  convinced  Dr.  L,e  Plongeon  that  he  had  succeeded  in 


xiv  INTRODUC77ON. 

tracing  certain  incidents  which  occurred  in  the  last  family  of  the 
CAN  dynasty,  and  which  led  to  its  downfall.  Upon  studying 
the  famous  Troano  MS.,  he  found  the  same  story  recorded  there  ; 
and  the  tragic  events  resulting  from  the  acts  of  one  member  of 
that  family,  Prince  Aac,  are  the  theme  of  the  present  poem. 

The  scene  is  laid  at  Chicrlen,  which  appears  to  have  been  the 
favorite  city  of  the  CANS,  judging  from  certain  indications, 
among  these  the  prevalence  of  the  serpent  as  an  ornament  in  all 
the  buildings.  These  serpents  are  represented  covered  with 
feathers  indicating  that  they  were  emblems  of  Maya  potentates. 
On  ceremonial  occasions  royal  personages  and  high  officials  wore 
mantles  of  feathers,  whose  colors  varied  according  to  the  rank  of 
the  individual  ;  yellow  being  that  of  the  royal  family,  red  that 
of  the  nobility,  and  green  that  of  the  learned  men.  The  word 
CAN  has  in  the  Maya  language  a  great  variety  of  meanings, 
as  Dr.  L,e  Plongeon  explains  in  his  works  ;  it  is  the  generic 
name  for  serpent. 

The  personages  whom  Dr.  L,e  Plongeon  succeeded  in  tracing 
were — the  CAN,  his  Queen,  Zoo  ;  their  three  sons — Cay,  Aac, 
and  Coh  ;  and  two  daughters — Moo  and  Nicte.  There  was  also 
an  aged  man  named  Cay,  the  High  Priest,  elder  brother  of  the 
King.  This  venerable  person  is  introduced  in  the  early  part  of 
the  poem.  When  he  died,  his  nephew  and  namesake,  Cay,  suc- 
ceeded to  his  position  and  title.  Let  it  be  noted  that  the  High 
Priest  was,  as  among  the  Egyptians  and  the  Hindoos  of  old, 
superior  in  authority  to  the  King  himself. 

At  the  death  of  King  Can,  his  daughter  Moo  became  Queen 
of  Chichen.  As  among  the  Egyptians,  and  the  Incas  in  Peru, 
so  among  the  Mayas,  royal  brothers  and  sisters  were  obliged  to 
marry  each  other  ;  in  Siam  and  some  other  places  the  same 


INTRODUCTION.  xv 

custom  exists  to-day.  One  of  Moo's  brothers  had  therefore  to 
be  Prince  consort.  Aac  aspired  to  her  hand,  but  Coh,  a  valiant 
leader  in  battle,  and  favorite  with  the  people,  was  her  own 
choice.  This  gave  rise  to  lamentable  events  which  caused  the 
ruin  of  the  dynasty,  Aac  refusing  to  be  reconciled. 

In  a  carving  on  stone,  as  well  as  in  the  Troano  MS.  and  the 
Codex  Cortesianus,  Dr.  L,e  Plongeon  has  found  records  of  the 
destruction  by  earthquake,  followed  by  submergence,  of  a  great 
island  in  the  Atlantic  ocean.  The  author  of  the  Troano  MS. 
affirms  that  this  land  disappeared  under  the  waves  8,060  years 
before  the  inditing  of  that  volume.  It  is  not  known  when  the 
book  in  question  was  written,  but  judging  from  Egyptian 
records,  the  cataclysm  must  have  occurred  between  ten  and 
eleven  thousand  years  ago.  In  the  Maya  books  the  lost  land  is 
called  MU. 

Lately  Dr.  L,e  Plongeon  has  discovered,  in  translating  the  in- 
scriptions, written  in  Maya  language  with  Egyptian  and  Maya 
characters,  which  adorn  the  faces  of  the  Pyramid  of  Xochicalco, 
situated  sixty  miles  to  the  southwest  of  the  city  of  Mexico,  in 
the  State  of  Morelos,  eighteen  miles  from  the  city  of  Cuernavaca, 
that  said  pyramid  was  a  commemorative  monument  raised  to 
perpetuate  the  memory  of  the  destruction  of  the  land  of  Mu 
among  coming  generations,  and  that  it  was  made  an  exact  model 
of  the  sacred  hill  in  Atlantis  which  Plato  in  his  Timoeus  de- 
scribes as  having  been  crowned  by  a  temple  dedicated  to  Cleito 
and  Poseidon. 

Booking  at  scenes  depicted  in  mural  paintings,  one  is  driven 
to  the  conclusion  that  the  Mayas  were  much  addicted  to  the 
study  of  occult  forces  ;  they  certainly  used  magic  mirrors  and 
appealed  to  haruspicy  in  their  desire  to  foretell  events.  As  may 


xvi  INTRODUCTION. 

be  seen  in  Dr.  L,e  Plongeon's  "Queen  Moo",  one  tableau 
represents  a  wiseman  examining  the  cracks  induced  by  heat  on 
the  shell  of  an  armadillo  and  the  marks  made  by  the  vapor  ; 
from  these  signs  he  endeavors  to  read  the  fate  of  the  young 
Princess  Moo.  The  soothsayer,  of  the  imperial  family  of  China 
uses  a  turtle  in  the  same  way  in  a  ceremony  called  Puu,  for  the 
royal  family  only,  and  in  state  affairs  of  exceptional  importance. 

Another  tableau,  also  reproduced  in  " Queen  Moo",  represents 
one  man  in  his  feather  mantle,  mesmerizing  another,  showing 
that  hypnotism  was  anciently  made  use  of  in  Yucatan  by  priests 
and  wisemen. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that  certain  stones  were  considered 
efficacious,  as  talismans.  Jadeite,  particularly  that  of  a  beautiful 
apple-green,  mottled  with  grey,  was  held  in  high  esteem  by  the 
Mayas,  if  they  did  not  regard  it  as  sacred.  They  called  it 
u  Bones  of  the  Earth  n  because  it  was  the  hardest  stone  known 
to  them.  Of  the  many  varieties  of  jadeite,  for  which  no  less 
than  a  hundred  and  fifty  names  have  been  found,  according  to 
Fischer,  the  apple-green  is  the  most  rare. 

In  the  great  square  of  the  old  city  of  Chichen,  Dr.  L,e  Plongeon 
discovered,  in  the  thick  forest,  two  very  ancient  tombs  with  some 
of  their  decorative  sculptures  yet  in  place  ;  those  on  one,  enabled 
him  to  see  that  the  tomb  had  been  erected  to  the  memory  of  Coh 
by  his  widow,  Queen  Moo.  In  it  he  found  a  statue  of  the  Prince 
consort ;  also  a  large  white  stone  urn,  containing  what  proved, 
by  chemical  analysis,  to  have  been  human  flesh,  charred  and 
preserved  in  red  oxide  of  mercury.  In  the  same  urn,  among 
other  relics,  was  a  beautiful  ornament  of  green  jadeite,  like 
those  decorating  the  necks  of  various  personages  portrayed  in 
the  sculptures  of  certain  edifices. 


INTRODUCTION.  xvii 

In  connection  with  the  statue  it  must  be  observed  that  the 
ancient  Mayas  held  a  belief  similar  to  that  entertained .  by  the 
Egyptians,  regarding  the  condition  of  the  soul  after  death,  and 
in  the  same  way  made  a  statue  of  the  deceased,  with  the  idea 
that  this  would  give  the  individual  a  hold  upon  life.  The 
natives  who  aided  in  bringing  Coh's  statue  to  light,  out  of  the 
mausoleum  where  it  had  remained  concealed  for  thousands  of 
years,  invariably  spoke  of  it  as  the  "  Enchanted  Prince ",  and 
frequently  assured  its  discoverer  that  he  had  succeeded  in  rinding 
it  because  he  himself  had  dwelt  there  in  past  ages,  and  was  one 
of  the  great  men  whose  effigies  were  seen  on  all  sides. 

When  the  larger  portion  of  the  charred  viscera  found  in  the 
urn  was  burned,  to  reduce  it  to  ashes,  the  natives  standing  by 
exclaimed — u  A  majestic  shade  ascends  amid  the  smoke  !  It  is 
the  form  of  the  enchanted  Prince,  that  seems  to  fade  into  noth- 
ingness." So  impressed  were  the  men  by  what  their  imagina- 
tion had  evoked,  that  all  ran  from  the  spot  in  a  state  of  agitation. 

On  the  day  when  the  statue,  weighing  three  thousand  pounds, 
was  taken  out  of  the  monument,  a  party  of  hostile  Indians 
suddenly  emerged  from  the  forest.  One  of  their  number  was 
aged,  and  he  remarked  to  his  companions,  uThis  represents  one 
of  our  great  men  of  antiquity. "  Then  the  young  men  paid 
homage  to  the  statue  by  bending  one  knee,  in  a  manner  peculiar 
to  those  people. 

Traditions  of  their  ancestors  are  not  altogether  lost  among 
the  natives,  as  some  travelers  assert.  Many  still  perform  rites 
and  ceremonies  in  the  depths  of  forests  or  in  unexplored  caverns, 
in  the  darkness  of  the  night,  but  keep  their  secrets  to  them- 
selves, remembering  the  tortures  inflicted  On  their  fathers  by  the 
Spanish  priests  to  oblige  them  to  forego  the  religious  observ- 


xviii  INTRODUCTION. 

ances  that   had  been  dear  to  those  of  their  race  for  countless 
generations. 

In  connection  with  the  song  to  the  rain-gods  it  may  be  said 
that  although  the  natives  of  Yucatan  are  to-day  Catholic  in 
name,  they  really  prefer  to  render  homage  to  some  statue  of 
their  forefathers,  and  cling  tenaciously  to  a  few  of  their  old 
divinities.  Among  these  may  be  mentioned  Balam  (tiger), 
guardian  of  the  crops,  likewise  appealed  to  as  a  rain-god.  In  a 
subterranean  cavern  a  few  miles  from  ChicSen,  there  is  an  old 
image  of  a  man  with  long  beard  ;  this  serves  as  a  representation 
of  Balam,  and  to  it  offerings  are  made.  The  antiquity  of  the 
carving  cannot  be  doubted,  similar  ones  existing  on  pillars  at 
the  entrance  of  a  very  ancient  castle  at  Chiclien.  The  figure  in 
the  cavern  is  on  its  knees,  its  hands  are  raised  to  a  level  with 
its  head,  palms  upturned.  On  its  back  is  a  bag  containing  what 
the  natives  say  is  a  cake  made  of  corn  and  beans.  The  statue 
is  now  black,  owing  to  the  incense  and  candles  with  which  its 
devotees  frequently  smoke  it.  Previous  to  the  planting  of  grain, 
they  place  before  it  a  basin  of  cool  beverage  made  of  corn,  also 
lighted  wax  candles  and  sweet-smelling  copal,  imploring  the 
god  to  grant  an  abundant  harvest.  When  the  crops  ripen,  the 
finest  ears  are  carried  to  the  grimy  divinity  by  men,  women,  and 
children,  who  within  the  cavern  dance  and  pray  all  day  long, 
some  of  their  quaint  instruments  serving  as  accompaniment  to 
the  L/atin  litanies  which  they  chant,  without  having  even  the 
vaguest  idea  of  their  meaning. 

The  sun-dance  mentioned  in  the  Preface,  is  occasionally  per- 
formed by  Indians  in  Yucatan  at  the  time  of  the  vernal  equinox. 
Twenty  men  take  part — corresponding  to  the  number  of  days  in 
the  ancient  Maya  month — but  ten  dress  as  women,  whence  it 


INTRODUCTION.  xix 

may  be  inferred  that  in  olden  times  the  dancers  were  of  both 
sexes.  All  their  faces  are  covered  with  masks  of  deer-skin,  and 
each  has  on  his  head  the  inverted  half-shell  of  a  calabash,  with 
turkey  feathers  standing  up  through  a  hole  in  the  centre.  They 
wear  their  usual  spotless  white  garments,  and  sandals.  Those 
clad  as  women  are  ornamented  with  large  bead  necklaces,  princi- 
pally red,  in  imitation  of  old  Maya  coin,  and  all  the  dancers  have 
ear-rings.  The  hostile  Indians  *  still  pierce  their  ears  as  their 
ancestors  did  ;  the  rank  of  a  chief  being  indicated  by  his  having 
a  ring  in  the  left  ear  only,  or  in  the  right,  or  in  both. 

The  Master  of  the  dance  wears  a  stiff  circular  cap,  surrounded 
by  upright  peacock  feathers  that  sway  with  every  movement,  tow- 
ering above  all  the  dancers,  and  about  his  shoulders  is  a  string  of 
big  sea-shells.  From  his  neck  hangs  a  metallic  representation  of 
the  sun,  in  whose  centre  is  an  all-seeing  eye  within  a  triangle, 
from  which  depends  a  large  tongue,  symbol  of  power  and  wisdom. 

One  man  carries  a  white  flag  on  which  is  painted  an  image  of 
the  sun,  and  a  man  and  woman  on  their  knees  worshiping  it. 
Three  men,  apart  from  the  dancers,  play  a  clarionet,  a  sacatan, 
and  a  big  turtle-shell  beaten  with  deer-horns.  The  Master  marks 
time  with  a  rattle,  and  in  his  other  hand  has  a  three-thonged 
whip  like  the  flagellum  of  Osiris  in  Egypt  ;  throughout  the  per- 
formance he  remains  standing  close  to  the  flag-staff. 

Bach  dancer  holds  in  his  left  hand  a  fan  of  turkey  feathers 
whose  handle  is  a  claw  of  that  bird  ;  and  in  his  right  a  small 
rattle  made  of  a  calabash  shell,  fancifully  painted,  containing 
pebbles  and  dried  seeds.  These  rattles  remind  us  of  the  sistrums 
used  anciently  in  the  temples  of  Egypt. 

*  These  Indians  were  in  May,  1901,  subjugated  by  Mexican  troops,  under 
General  Bravo,  after  a  prolonged  struggle,  and  their  capital  of  Chan  Santa 
Cruz  was  taken. 


xx  INTRODUCTION. 

Around  the  pole  on  which  the  flag  is  furled,  the  dancers  walk 
three  times,  with  solemn  tread,  groping  their  way  as  if  in  dark- 
ness. Suddenly  the  flag  is  unfurled,  the  sun  appears,  all  draw 
themselves  up  to  their  full  height,  raise  their  eyes  and  hands, 
and  utter  a  unanimous  shout  of  joy. 

Now  the  dance  commences,  round  and  round  the  pole  they  go 
with  various  steps  and  motions,  not  graceful,  but  energetic  and 
full  of  meaning.  The  dance  is  intended  to  represent,  among 
other  things,  the  course  and  movement  of  our  planet  around  the 
sun.  The  chief  and  the  dancers  sing  alternately  : 

"  Take  care  how  you  step  !  " 
"  We  step  well,  O  Master  !  " 

The  melody  and  strange  accompaniment  are  impressive  and 
stirring,  the  rattles  being  particularly  effective,  now  imitating 
the  scattering  of  grain,  then  by  a  brisk  motion  of  every  arm 
sending  forth  a  sound  like  a  sudden  rainfall  on  parched  leaves, 
or  a  thunder  clap  in  the  distance,  uniting  with  a  shout  raised  by 
the  dancers  at  the  conclusion  of  each  chorus.  The  fans,  kept  in 
motion,  are  emblematic  of  refreshing  breezes. 

The  flag  on  the  pole  is  undoubtedly  a  modern  addition,  simply 
to  indicate  what  the  dance  originally  was  ;  of  old,  the  pole  itself 
represented  the  central  orb  ;  as  the  round  towers  did  in  Ireland, 
Persia,  and  India  ;  the  conical  stones  in  Phoenicia  ;  the  pyramids 
and  obelisks  in  Egypt,  etc. — for  in  America,  as  in  those  countries, 
sun  worship  was  the  religion  of  the  people. 

Finally,  the  expression  u  Will  Supreme"  in  the  opening  line 
of  the  poem  is  used  in  the  sense  of  the  Maya  word  UOL,  (or  will) 
as  applied  by  the  Mayas  of  ancient  times  to  the  First  Great 
Cause.  This  subject  has  been  fully  treated  elsewhere  by  Dr.  Le 
Plongeon. 


ARGUMENT, 


I. 

SOUIv  returns  to  earth  to  live  again  in  mortal  form  as 
daughter  of  a  potentate  who  rules  over  the  Maya  Em- 
pire. When  the  Princess  reaches  womanhood,  the  High  Priest 
Cay,  her  father's  brother,  describes  to  her  the  destruction  of  the 
great  land  whence  her  people  came  ;  consults  Fate  regarding 
her  future  ;  gives  advice  to  the  Princess,  and  presents  her  with  a 
talismanic  stone,  warning  her  that  its  loss  might  deprive  her  of 
her  throne. 

II. 

The  Princess  is  wooed  by  two  of  her  brothers,  who  thus  be- 
come rivals.  Her  preference  is  for  Coh,  whom  she  weds.  Cay 
prophesies  to  her  that  in  another  earthly  incarnation  she  will 
again  be  the  sister  and  wife  of  him  she  has  chosen  for  consort. 

Aac,  the  unsuccessful  suitor,  is  filled  with  jealous  wrath. 

The  sovereign  Can,  and  his  brother  the  High  Priest  Cay,  both 

pass  away.     The  Can's  eldest  son,  also  named  Cay,  becomes  High 

(xxi) 


xxii  ARGUMENT. 

Priest ;  Moo  is  Queen  of  Chicken,  and  her  consort  the  supreme 
military  chief. 

III. 

The  Prince  consort  is  treacherously  slain  by  his  brother  Aac, 
who  admits  his  guilt,  and  is  banished  from  the  royal  city,  his 
elder  brother  warning  him  that  he,  Aac,  will  cause  the  downfall 
of  the  Can  dynasty. 

IV. 

Multitudes  assemble  to  bewail  the  death  of  Coh  and  witness 
the  funeral  rites.  His  ashes  are  laid  to  rest  and,  with  his 
charred  heart,  deposited  in  a  stone  urn,  the  widowed  Queen 
places  her  talisman,  hoping  to  thus  link  her  destiny  with  that  of 
Coh.  She  builds  a  monument  over  his  mortal  remains  and  a 
statue  made  to  his  likeness,  and  erects  a  memorial  hall,  upon 
whose  exterior  walls  she  inscribes  an  invocation  to  the  manes  of 
her  consort. 

V. 

Notwithstanding  his  crime,  Aac  ventures  to  renew  his  en- 
treaties. Failing  in  his  desire,  he  brings  about  a  war  that  causes 
the  ruin  of  the  country  and  people.  Finally  the  Queen  is  cap- 
tured and  imprisoned  by  Aac  ;  but  she  is  rescued  by  loyal  sub- 
jects and  with  them  flees  to  foreign  lands. 

VI. 

Aac,  frustrated  even  in  his  hour  of  triumph,  becomes  a  tyrant, 
oppresses  those  under  his  sway,  turns  a  deaf  ear  to  better  prompt- 
ings, and  at  last  is  killed  in  a  contest  with  some  of  his  own  sub- 
jects, who  would  restrain  him.  The  famous  CAN  dynasty  is 
thus  brought  to  its  close. 


ARGUMENT.  xxiii 

VII. 

The  Queen  and  her  rescuers  find  tranquillity  in  the  land  of  the 
Nile,  where,  long  before,  Maya  colonists  had  made  their  homes. 
Here,  Moo  is  received  with  open  arms,  and  reigns  again  to  the 
hour  of  her  death. 

SEQUEL. 

I. 

After  many  centuries  have  passed  away,  in  a  land  far  distant 
from  that  of  the  Mayas,  Death  snatches  a  baby  girl  from  a  loving 
brother.  He  stays  upon  earth  ;  his  lost  sister  again  takes  mortal 
form  in  another  family  ;  they  meet  and  are  united  ;  the  prophecy 
of  the  High  Priest  Cay  being  thus  fulfilled.  Together  they 
iourney  to  the  land  of  the  Mayas  where,  in  the  tomb  of  Coh,  they 
find  his  heart  and  Moo's  talisman,  in  the  urn  in  which  she  had 
deposited  it  many  centuries  before. 

II. 

Among  the  ruins  of  his  palace  Aac's  spirit  wanders  desolate, 
pleading  for  the  blessing  of  forgetfulness  in  rebirth. 

III. 

The  talisman  brings  visions  of  the  long  ago,  voices  of  the 
Past  ;  Cay,  the  Wise,  still  lives,  still  leads  the  way  to  paths  of 
peace. 


QUEEN  MOO'S  TALISMAN, 
FALL  OF  THE  MAYA  EMPIRE. 


I. 


,OVED  by  the  Will  Supreme  to  be  reborn,— 

In  high  estate  a  soul  sought  earthly  morn ; 
Life  stirred  within  a  beauteous  Maya  queen 
Of  noble  deeds,  of  gracious  word  and  mien. 

Beneath  the  wing  of  Can,  just  potentate 
O'er  Maya-land,  of  old  an  empire  great, 
The  Princess  Moo  knew  all  the  joys  of  youth, 
Led  on  from  day  to  day  by  Love  and  Truth. 
Earth's  fairest  blossoms  at  her  feet  were  flung; 
About  her  slender  form  rare  pearls  were  hung. 
The  zephyr  soft  was  music  to  her  ear ; 
The  tempest  wild  awaked  in  her  no  fear. 
Within  her  being  Past  and  Future  slept, 

And  into  guileless  mind  no  phantom  crept. 

(25) 


26  QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN. 

Heart  sang  with  Nature's  harmonies  its  best, 
Like  warbling  bird  within  a  downy  nest. 
But  soon  'mong  roseate  tints  more  sombre  thought 
Unto  youth's  bubbling  spring  dark  ripples  brought. 

An  aged  man,  divine  love  in  his  face, 

Led  Princess  Moo  within  a  sacred  place 

And  there  relating  many  a  tale  of  old, 

Of  years  to  come  would  something  too  unfold. 

Faint  echos  even  now  reverberate 

What  he  then  told  about  the  awful  fate 

Of  Mu,  imperial  mistress  of  the  seas, 

Renowned  for  power  and  wealth  thro'  centuries. 

"O'erwhelmed  was  she  in  one  appalling  night 

When  Homen,  raging  in  his  fearful  might, 

Threw  lofty  peaks  that  lesser  mountains  crushed, 

And  every  life  was  into  silence  hushed. 

The  rended  mountains  sent  aloft  their  fire 

To  meet  the  lightning's  dart  and  then  expire. 

From  earth  and  sky  incessant  thunder  broke  ; 

The  bursting  clouds  forced  back  ascending  smoke ; 

Soon  over  all  the  seething  billows  swept : 

Death's  lullaby  the  waters  purled,  and  crept. 

Then  towering  seas  that  gleamed  as  with  snowcap, 

Tossed  ships  on  land,  while  into  Ocean's  lap 

The  land  convulsed,  her  haughty  mansions  heaved. 

Waves  onward  dashed,  as  roaring  flames  they  cleaved. 


QUEEN  M6&S   TALISMAN.  27 

In  contest  fierce,  for  mastery  thus  strove 
The  elements,  as  luckless  Mu  they  drove, 
With  Death  to  battle,  down  in  yawning  hell; 
By  all  her  gods  forsaken,  doomed  she  fell!" 

"In  blind  despair,  brother  'gainst  brother  fought; 

For  feeble  minds  to  frenzy  soon  were  brought. 

Upon  their  knees  men  grovelled  in  the  mud ; 

In  vain  from  crashing  wall,  from  flame  and  flood, 

A  shelter  sought,  demented  they,  with  fear ; 

And  many  a  pleading  eye  met  maniac  leer. 

Fond  mothers  left  their  babes  and  raving  fled ; 

Thus  fast  and  faster  unto  death  all  sped. 

Men  ran  distracted ;  climbed  the  stalwart  trees, 

By  earthquake  rocked  like  craft  on  stormy  seas. 

Cast  off,  they  rushed  to  find  in  caverns  deep 

A  refuge  safe ;  nor  into  those  might  creep  ; 

For  when  they  drew  anear,  with  thunderous  sound 

The  cavern  mouths  closed  up  as  heaved  the  groundo 

In  cities  rich  and  great  the  house-tops  swarmed 

With  frantic  men,  by  fear  to  brutes  transformed. 

Around,  the  blackened,  angry  waters  surged 

Till  dwellings  rocked,  and  melting  soon  were  merged, 

Engulfed  in  dark  abyss  with  writhing  woe, 

All  swiftly  spent  in  one  last  awful  throe!" 

"The  temples  of  the  gods,  the  halls  of  state, 
Quick  fell,  but  failed  Lord  Homen's  greed  to  sate. 


28  QUEEN  M6O'S   TALISMAN. 

High  towers  of  stone  in  fragments  crumbled  down- 

Of  perfect  structure  those,  and  wide  renown. 

About  man's  shattered  works  the  waters  whirled, 

And  he,  to  Terror's  chariot  lashed,  was  hurled 

To  deep  repose  or  spheres  to  man  unknown, 

While  mangled  body  lay  in  ocean  prone. 

Above  the  horrid  sights  and  awful  fear 

Dark  waters  rolled,  mud-laden  many  a  year. 

At  dawn  high  crested  waves,  victorious, 

Exulted  over  Mu  long  glorious  ! 

Of  what  she  was,  some  vestige  yet  may  rest 

In  depth  profound  'neath  Ocean's  heaving  breast. 

Perchance,  when  ages  shall  have  fled,  that  land, 

Stripped  bare — again  unable  to  withstand 

Volcanic  force,  that  will  her  life-springs  start — 

May  rise,  and  thus  reborn  again  take  part 

On  this  small  globe,  mere  cosmic  spark!  yet  still 

A  universe  whose  powers  await  man's  will." 

"To  Ku  the  Mighty,  hosts  of  souls  went  back 
Upon  that  thirteenth  night  in  month  of  Zac. 
The  dross  returned  to  nursery  of  Earth — 
All  form  to  fire  and  water  owes  its  birth. 
Our  wisemen  then  by  edict  made  that  date 
Each  week,  of  thirteen  days,  to  terminate. 
And  noble  hearts  that  day,  with  sacred  rite, 
In  urns  are  hid  away  from  mortal  sight; 


QUEEN  MOO'S    TALISMAN.  29 

Then  during  thirteen  days  we  all  lament. 
When  Maya  nation  mourns  some  dire  event, 
On  thirteen  altars  we  our  offering  make  ; 
And  thirteen  guests  at  funeral  board  partake. 
That  famous  Mu  may  ne'er  forgotten  be, 
To  grief  belongs  thirteen,  by  Can's  decree." 

"For  many  years  Mu's  day  of  doom  was  feared, 

When  those  who  into  magic  mirrors  peered 

Saw  visions  grim  ;  their  minds  were  filled  with  dread. 

Not  all  believed  that  into  Ocean's  bed 

A  land  of  vast  dimensions  could  be  thrust 

By  Homen's  power,  yet  many  felt  mistrust. 

But  one  there  was  more  heedful  than  the  rest, 

In  science  versed  and  with  discernment  blest ; 

From  Mu  he  sailed  with  those  who  deemed  him  wise— 

Our  ancestor  was  he,  thou  dost  surmise." 

The  Princess,  deeply  touched,  in  silence  heard, 
With  close  attention,  not  to  lose  a  word. 

"To  Oracle  that  ancestor  gave  ear — 
Yet  he  for  self  had  not  a  thought  of  fear — 
And  thus  were  many  saved,  of  noble  race 
That  otherwise  had  left  on  earth  no  trace, 
With  him  for  guide  to  this  kind  shore  they  came, 
Renewing  here  the  glory  of  their  name. 
Then  all  agreed  that  Can  should  Sovereign  be. 
He  earnestly  desired  they  might  be  free 


30  QUEEN  MtiO'S   TALISMAN. 

From  failings  he  deplored  in  that  great  State 

They'd  left,  because  'twas  threatened  by  dark  fate. 

He  warned  them  oft — '  Of  luxury  and  pride 

Beware ! ' — for  well  he  knew  how,  side  by  side, 

Such  foes  can  plunge  the  soul  of  man  in  mire. 

The  arrogance  of  Mu  roused  Heaven's  ire ; 

At  her  debauchery  shocked,  the  gods  forth  fled ; 

Deserted  thus,  in  agony  she  bled. 

Simplicity  and  virtue  stern,  Can  taught; 

With  zeal  his  subjects  held  this  righteous  thought ; 

Rejoiced  in  peace,  and  in  dominion  grew, 

Till  far  and  near  the  Mayas  throve  anew. 

Can  passed  away  before  proud  Mu  was  crushed, 

But  his  successor's  voice  was  yet  unhushed. 

Now,  Princess  dear,  we  reach,  it  seems  to  me, 

Portentous  years — come  then,  thy  fate  we'll  see." 

Thus  spake  the  Sage,  as  o'er  his  raiment  white 
He  threw  an  ample  cloak  of  feathers  bright, 
Of  royal  yellow  these  and  emerald-green, 
Beneath  the  sky  resplendent  was  their  sheen 
When  forth  he  went,  the  Princess  by  his  side, 
To  sacred  place  that  had  no  roof  to  hide 
The  glorious  light  of  day,  but  walled  so  high 
That  none  could  see  within  while  passing  by. 

Moo's  simple  mind  was  here  struck  with  amaze, 
For  where  the  wiseman  fixed  his  earnest  gaze 


QUEEN  M6O'S    TALISMAN.  31 

An  armadillo  thence  out  crept,  nor  stayed 

Till  at  her  feet,  as  if  it  thus  obeyed 

A  force  unseen  or  was  by  fetter  bound  ; 

But  none  appeared  upon  that  hallowed  ground. 

The  aged  man  this  creature  gently  placed 

Above  a  brasier  which  the  Princess  faced ; 

As  in  its  depth  clear-burning  charcoal  lay, 

With  pity  moved  she  cried  aloud — "Nay!  nay!" 

But  he — "  Think  not  that  I  would  torture  this 

Or  aught  that  is;  could  I  then  hope  for  bliss? 

Each  being  in  Creation  works  its  way 

To  perfect  rest,  all  must  this  law  obey. 

From  Ku  all  emanate,  are  thence  divine ; 

Eternal  law  ordaineth  all  combine 

To  aid ;  each  one  of  us  must  give  and  take. 

This  creature,  serving  us,  will  progress  make, 

And  we  are  lifted  up  in  reaching  down ; 

Thus  by  endeavor  we  ourselves  may  crown. 

Learn  then,  this  little  friend  shall  nothing  feel, 

Experience  shall  to  thee  a  truth  reveal. 

Thy  slender  fingers  I  but  touch,  and  lo! 

All  feeling  goes,  no  heat  therein  doth  glow. 

Now  move  thy  hand,  'tis  free  again  dost  find ; 

This  holy  law  to  suffering  flesh  is  kind ; 

Who  knoweth  this,  sensation  can  enchain, 

And  armadillo  shall  not  suffer  pain." 


32  QUEEN  MdO'S    TALISMAN. 

'Twas  true  indeed,  for  tranquilly  it  stayed 
Above  the  burning  coal,  quite  undismayed ; 
While  such  the  heat  endured  that  soon  its  shell 
O'erspread  became  with  misty  lines.     To  spell 
What  weighty  meaning  auspice  might  conceal 
The  seer  watched,  its  purport  to  reveal. 
What  promised  he — of  what  did  he  then  warn — 
Could  she  evade  the  fate  foretold  that  morn  ? 
For  house  of  Can  he  prophesied  defeat, 
Through  dark  revenge  its  overthrow  complete ; 
By  jealousy  brought  on,  and  Moo  its  source, 
Tho'  blameless  she,  herself  bereft  of  force. 

Then  back  to  Cay's  sanctum  both  returned, 

Moo's  heart  oppressed  by  much  that  she  had  learned. 

This  mood  the  Sage  rebuked  and  bade  her  hear 

His  words :  "  Dear  child,  thy  path  lies  straight  and  clear; 

Whate'er  may  hap,  no  thought  of  wrath  outsend  ; 

This  breedeth  ill  and  nothing  doth  amend. 

In  spite  of  many  wrongs  thou  may'st  endure, 

Of  fame  this  oracle  doth  thee  assure. 

'Twould  seem  a  jest  to  bid  thee  do  aright, 

For  man,  alas !  is  in  a  woful  plight ! 

He  gropes  along  in  quest  of  Wisdom's  ray 

And,  ever  seeking,  often  goes  astray. 

In  noble  deeds  exert  thy  human  might  ; 

Let  acts  of  kindness  be  thy  best  delight. 


QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN.  33 

To  give  advice  for  all  life's  days  who  dare  ? 
Can  one  foresee  what  pitfall  may  ensnare 
Thy  feet  in  paths  where  thou  art  bound  to  tread  ? 
But  come  what  may,  thy  soul  must  nothing  dread. 
Hate's  sting  fear  not ;  if  thou  no  hatred  give, 
Its  venom  reacheth  not  what  shall  outlive 
All  trivial  griefs  and  wrongs,  thyself  divine, 
Bring  what  life  will,  let  not  thy  soul  repine. 
Aid  those  who  seek  thy  help  ;  there  is  no  joy 
Surpassing  this,  unmingled  with  alloy. 

We  know  that  conflict  is  a  law  of  life, 

For  matter  feeds  itself  by  constant  strife  ; 

The  Will  Eternal  maketh  this  decree  ; 

We  feel  results  ;  the  why  we  do  not  see. 

The  Heart  of  Heaven,  throbbing  with  thine  own, 

Knows  ALL  is  WELL.     The  Infinite  alone 

Embraces  all,  and  ever  lures  us  on 

To  blissful  rest  where  all  return  anon. 

In  paths  of  doubt  and  fear  all  onward  go, 

But  knowing  little,  waver  to  and  fro. 

At  times  disconsolate,  men  yet  aspire, 

Labor  and  sigh  for  bauble  they  desire  ; 

For  riches,  joys  and  honors,  they  contend  ; 

But  on  the  funeral  pyre  these  all  must  end. 

Let  thy  wish  be  to  find  the  highest  gift, 

The  Light  Divine,  't  will  ever  thee  uplift. 


34  QUEEN  MtiWS   TALISMAN. 

When  grief  shall  rend  thy  heart,  seek  thine  own  soul  ; 
Shut  out  life's  din,  and  find  that  sacred  goal. 

A  talisman  I  give  thee — jadeite  green, 

'Twill  ever  lend  thee  intuition  keen. 

Its  wearer  may  with  love  herself  surround, 

For  with  attractive  force  it  doth  abound. 

Would  one  deceive,  and  traitor  prove  to  thee, 

His  mind  with  this  thou  wilt  quite  plainly  see. 

Thro'  centuries  this  talisman  can  bind 

Two  souls — desiring  this,  the  way  thou  'It  find. 

But  keep  it  sacredly  for  thee  alone ; 

If  thou  lose  this  a  foe  will  seize  thy  throne." 


35- 


Plate  IL 


II. 


HE  daughter  of  the  Can  was  early  wooed 

By  Aac,  her  brother,  who  with  fervor  sued ; 
A  brother-prince  by  law  must  consort  be  ; 
In  choice  of  one  the  future  Queen  was  free. 
And  'twas  for  Coh  alone  her  own  heart  yearned ; 
Aac  seeing  this  with  jealous  anger  burned. 
Those  brothers  fought  as  strangers  cruel  might ; 
Both  wounded  fell,  a  rueful,  horrid  sight ! 

Coh  far  and  wide  for  valiant  deeds  was  known  ; 
The  Princess  Moo  her  courage  oft  had  shown ; 
That  they  should  mated  be  was  right  and  just ; 
Thus  by  the  Can,  who  in  them  put  full  trust, 
Their  nuptials  sanctioned  were,  and  many  a  day, 
On  pleasure  bent,  the  people  had  their  way  ; 
For  Can  regaled  them  all  with  lavish  grant. 
At  break  of  day  was  heard  the  deep-toned  chant : 

(35) 


36  QUEEN  M00'S    TALISMAN. 

Lord  of  day  we  are  Thine ! 
On  our  path  deign  to  shine — 

Holy  Light! 

Mortals  glory  in  Thy  might. 
When  night  flees  before  Thy  ray 
We  our  voices  lift,  and  pray — 

Great  Light! 

Scarce  rose  the  sun  when  crowds  on  sport  intent, 
From  every  door  in  quest  of  pleasure  went ; 
All  left  their  homes  the  time  to  pass  away, 
And  on  the  air  rang  many  a  joyous  lay 
Of  boy  and  girl  who  simple  frolic  sought, 
And  gaily  sang  with  little  care  or  thought. 

Hear  life's  jingle,  come  along! 
All  should  mingle  with  the  throng ; 
Clasp  my  hand,  dear,  haste  with  me — 
Say  not  nay,  for  I  love  thee! 

Quit  thy  nonsense  or  begone! 

I  am  not  thus  lightly  won. 
Let 's  go  onward  to  the  dance, 
Give  me  but  one  tender  glance! 

Cease  thy  teasing,  I  '11  not  go ! 

'Tis  decided,  thou  must  know0 
Hear  life's  jingle!  join  the  throng  ; 
Youth  and  pleasure  stay  not  long. 


QUEEN  M60'S   TALISMAN.  37 

With  shades  of  eve  cam^  other  dancers  gay, 
Their  smiles  enticing-  young  and  old  away ; 
As  in  and  out  about  the  streets  they  roamed, 
They  joked  and  sang  while  many  a  goblet  foamed: 

On  our  dress  of  spotless  white 
We  are  wreathing  garlands  bright ; 

And  will  sing,  kiss,  sip, 

With  laughing,  ruddy,  lip, 
Far  away  into  the  night. 

Days  of  gladness  soon  take  flight, 
Love's  sweet  nectar  do  not  slight 

Let  us  sing,  kiss,  sip, 

And  light-hearted  gaily  trip, 
While  our  vows  we  once  more  plight. 

And  well  they  did  to  quaff  the  honeyed  cup — 

Why  keep  the  mind  with  bitter  thoughts  filled  up, — 

The  watchful  gods  no  pity  ever  take 

On  those  who  sullen  gloom  will  not  forsake  ; 

But  on  bright  smiles,  reflecting  cheerful  heart, 

Frown  not,  e'en  if  gay  Folly  play  a  part. 

O  beauteous  night!  when  lingering  footfall  strayed, 
And  stars  reflected  seemed  where  firefly  played, 
Each  leaflet  murmured  lover's  tenderness  ; 
Soul's  ecstasy  was  pure  and  fathomless. 
O  mystic  Love!  to  every  trivial  thing 
A  new  and  holy  charm  dost  ever  bring, 


38  QUEEN  M6&S   TALISMAN. 

With  light  and  joy,  to  all  touched  by  thy  ray 
Creation  glows  for  him  who  feels  thy  sway. 
Of  one  we  love  Perfection  is  the  name, 
For  love  is  breath  of  God,  all  potent  flame! 
Thus  'twas  a  lover  sang,  with  rapture  filled, 
When  bird  on  leafy  bough  had  softly  trilled : 

Ah !  bird  so  gay, 

Take  not  thy  flight! 

With  dulcet  lay 

My  heart  delight! 

Stay  by  me  here, 

For  thou  art  dear — 

Tho'  one  I  love  is  yet  more  dear! 

Ah !  floweret  fair, 

With  breath  of  Morn 

Upon  the  air 

Thy  perfume's  borne  ; 

Thy  life's  too  fleet, 

For  thou  art  sweet— 

Tho'  one  I  love  is  yet  more  sweet ! 

Ah!  limpid  dew, 

Fair  pearl  of  Night — 

That  doth  anew 

To  petal  bright 

Give  charm  to  lure — 

Thou  art  so  pure  ! 

Tho'  one  I  love  is  just  as  pure. 


QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN.  39 

In  drowsy  bud  Night  breathed.  "  May  love  here  bide! " 
But  love  and  pain  are  one,  so  floweret  sighed 
When  glistening  dew  to  perfumed  petal  clung, 
Imploring — "  Wake  me  not!  by  zephyr  swung, 
Ah !  let  me  linger  in  this  happy  state  ! 
Ope  not  the  way  to  pang  that  may  await." 

But  lovely  Morn  appeared  with  roseate  ray, 
And  soon  the  god  of  day  chased  tears  away  ; 
Earth  throbbed  anew,  leaves  quivered  with  delight  ; 
Flowers  laughed,  "We  love!  we  live!  thanks  be  to  Nio-ht!" 

o  o 

In  silent,  sombre  hour  of  deep  repose 
All  form  drinks  in  life's  force  that  ever  flows  ; 
And  from  the  tranquil  vale  of  balmy  rest 
Each  being  leaps — love's  joy  they  all  attest. 
On  globes  revolving  night  must  follow  day  ; 
The  universe  doth  this  same  law  obey. 

Pleasure  with  pain  is  mingled,  gently  kissed 
By  Sorrow,  or  regret  for  something  missed  ; 
As  plaintive  minor  blends  with  major  strain, 
Fair  Light's  attendant  shades  adorn  her  train. 
And  Moo  upon  her  marriage  day  had  mourned, 
For  she  by  Oracle  had  been  forewarned 
That  Coh  from  her  might  in  the  future  time 
Be  torn  by  dastard  treachery  and  crime. 
Beyond  that  time  the  wiseman  too  could  see 
That  Moo,  bereft  and  harshly  wronged,  would  flee. 


40  QUEEN  M6O'S   TALISMAN. 

More  strange  than  all,  the  Oracle  foretold— 
"In  bitter  woe  this  thought  may  thee  uphold  : 
Both  will  return  ;  the  sister  thou  wilt  be 
And  wife  once  more  of  him  awaiting  thee." 

The  Prophet  Cay  taught  Can's  eldest  child  ; 

With  mystic  lore  their  time  was  much  beguiled  ; 

For  pupil  would  some  day  the  High  Priest  be, 

When  his  preceptor  should  from  earth  go  free. 

Surrounded  by  his  volumes  old,  the  Sage 

In  search  of  truth  read  over  every  page. 

On  rare  occasions  he  before  the  crowd 

Came  forth  to  speak,  and  all  to  his  will  bowed. 

Prophetic  words  were  his,  sincere  and  wise  ; 

The  Can  obeyed  when  Cay  deigned  advise. 

Revered  by  high  and  low,  the  honored  Sage 

Could  by  his  will  much  pain  and  grief  assuage — 

Nor  ever  aid  withheld,  for  he  loved  all  — 

But  soon  the  Lord  of  life  would  him  recall. 

More  than  he  did  no  one  in  mortal  frame 

Could  do,  aspiring  to  the  Holy  Flame, 

To  keep  soul  free  from  earth.     His  nourishment- 

Whereon  the  sun  its  vital  ray  had  sent — 

Pure  water,  simple  fruit,  white  flesh  of  bird, 

Was  more  than  he  required,  he  oft  averred. 

In  mystic  posture  he  besought  Mehen, 

The  Word,  that  he  might  wisdom  pure  attain. 


QUEEN  MtfO'S    TALISMAN.  41 

He  could  at  will  ascend  from  solid  ground 

And  float  above,  while  crowds  up  looked  spellbound. 

Soon  after  Sovereign  Can,  without  a  throe, 

Cay  passed  away,  bewailed  by  high  and  low. 

Around  his  flaming  pyre,  bowed  in  the  dust, 

All  wept  for  him  in  whom  they'd  put  their  trust. 

Can's  first-born  son  then  filled  the  Pontiff's  place ; 
Thenceforth  he  would  by  every  means  efface 
The  jealous  hatred  rankling  in  Aac's  mind  ; 
But  he  alas!  with  passion  grew  more  blind  ; 
For  now  that  Moo  was  Queen,  and  consort  Coh, 
Her  love  he  ne'er  could  win,  nor  him  o'erthrow. 
To  Moo  came  other  joys  with  baby  lips  ; 
Pure  bliss  from  soft  caressing  finger  tips. 


Page  4.1. 


Plate  III. 


III. 


BEYOND  her  palace  wall  Moo  heard  the  chant 

Of  worshiper  imploring  Heaven  to  grant 
Its  bounteous  rain,  fresh  life  to  Mother  Earth, 
The  parched  land  to  revive  and  save  from  dearth  : 

When  the  Master  doth  rise 
To  appear  in  the  east 
The  four  corners  of  heaven  are  released, 
And  my  broken  accents  fall 
Into  the  hands  of  Him  who  giveth  all. 

When  clouds  from  east  ascend 
To  the  Orderer's  throne— 

Ah  Tzolan,  who  thirteen  cloud-banks  rules  alone— 
Where  the  lords  cloud-tearers  wait, 
Biding  the  will  of  Ah  Tzolan  the  Great, 

(43) 


44  QUEEN  MtiO'S   TALISMAN. 

Then  the  Keeper  who  sees 
The  gods'  nectar  ferment, 
With  these  guardians  of  crops  is  content ; 
They  his  holy  offerings  place 
Before  the  Father,  pleading  for  His  grace. 

I  too  my  offering  make:, 
Of  beauteous  virgin  bird, 
And  myself  lacerate,  breathing  holy  word. 
Thee  I  love !  then  heed  my  cry ! 
My  offering  place  in  hands  of  the  Most  High, 

Could  Moo  in  far  off  days  forget  that  prayer? 
Ah  no !  for  as  it  died  upon  the  air 
A  messenger  appeared  ;  his  words  sought  vent- 
Ill  tidings  had  to  him  their  fleetness  lent. 

Poor  human  heart!  that  blenches,  quivers,  shrinks, 
Appalled  at  fatal  stroke  that  swift  unlinks 
Two  lives  attuned  to  one  harmonious  breath. 
O  loving  heart !  thy  cruel  foe  is  Death. 
With  this  compared  all  other  anguish  pales  ; 
To  soothe  this  pang  no  human  aid  avails. 

Affrighted  eyes  met  hers — "  Speak !   speak  !  "  she  cried. 
Heart  knew  and  leaped — "  Thou  art  alone  !  "   it  sighed. 

In  broken  words  the  dire  event  was  told— 
The  herald  was  forbidden  to  withhold 


Page, 


Plate  IV. 


QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN.  45 

The  worst.     Then  fiercely  battled  in  Moo's  breast 
Wild  rage  and  grief,  while  he  obeyed  her  hest. 

Scarce  gone  the  man,  when  doubt  brought  some  relief — 

He  must  be  mad !  Allured  by  this  belief 

She  fixed  her  gaze  on  Hope's  illusive  beam — 

"  Untrue  the  tale  !  a  frightful,  ghastly  dream  ! 

He  dead!     Impossible!     Sore  wounded,  yes, 

As  oft ;  his  voice  would  ease  her  keen  distress. 

The  valiant  Coh  could  never  vanquished  be, 

Victorious  from  every  fight  came  he." 

Thus  to  herself,  forbidding  other  thought, 

And  from  her  palace  rushed,  not  caring  aught 

For  those  who  would  detain  her  steps,  she  fled 

To  meet  the  Prince ;  her  servitors  she  led. 

He  came  surrounded  by  a  mighty  crowd. 
"Make  way  for  us!"  the  Queen's  men  cried  aloud — 
"The  Queen  is  here!"   Her  breath  was  all  but  spent. 
The  bearers  stopped ;  with  cries  the  air  was  rent. 
Then  bending  low,  her  arms  about  him  flung, 
She  gasped!  To  his,  cold  set,  her  hot  lips  clung. 
Beneath  an  arch  of  warriors'  shields  upraised, 
She  saw,  she  felt ;  in  death  Coh's  eyes  were  glazedo 
Ah!  woful  siofht!  'twas  more  than  Moo  could  bear — 

o 

She  fell,  unconscious  of  the  tender  care 

On  her  bestowed,  as  homeward  borne  apace  ; 

Far  happier  had  she  been  in  Death's  embrace. 


46  QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN. 

'Neath  holy  Ceiba  tree,  upon  the  ground, 

Struck  down  by  one  unknown,  Coh  had  been  found. 

Whence  came  the  treacherous  foe?     From  foreign  land? 

Beloved  by  all  was  Coh — Whose  then  the  hand? 

With  brother's  blood  would  Aac  himself  imbrue? 

This  thought  in  vain  she  struggled  to  subdue. 

''I  rave!"  she  cried;  her  mind  with  doubt  was  torn  ; 

Those  brothers  royal  were  from  one  womb  born. 

"O  wretched  man  !      O  cruel,  monstrous  fate! 

Our  Prince  was  sacrificed  to  mortal  hate  ! 

Unarmed  was  he  when  came  the  stealthy  foe 

Behind,  to  strike  unseen  the  vengeful  blow. 

Thrice  stabbed,  Coh  reeled  and  fell.    Then  turned  to  flee 

His  slayer,  who  rejoiced  alive  and  free!" 

With  passion's  anguish  riven,  loud  she  moaned— 

Could  she  forgive  ?     Must  this  crime  be  condoned  ? 

A  deed  so  foul  by  her  own  brother  base— 

What  act  could  e'er  such  deep-set  blot  efface  ? 

For  brother-consort  by  a  brother  slain 

Must  she  herself  with  bloody  vengeance  stain  ? 

To  dark  despair  the  Queen  bereft  gave  way, 
Nor  heeded  anyone  who  tried  to  stay 
Her  grief,  until  the  Pontiff  Cay  came— 
Successor  to  the  Sage  who'd  borne  that  name. 
Alone  with  Moo  he  groaned,  "  Tis  Aac  I  see! 
His  life  is  ours  to  take  ;  but  this  would  be 


Page 


Plate    V. 


QUEEN  MtiWS    TALISMAN.  47 

With  crime  as  infamous  ourselves  to  brand — 
Let  not  two  fratricides  accurse  the  land ! 
Our  impulse  to  avenge  must  be  suppressed  ; 
Nor  may  our  soul  by  anger  be  possessed. 
Let  Aac  himself  convict.     Do  thou,  I  pray, 
Request  his  presence  here — he'll  quick  obey." 

Aac's  handsome  face  wore  mask  of  grief  until 
The  High  Priest  sternly  thus  expressed  his  will  : 
"  Our  dauntless  Coh  is  slain  by  one  unknown  ; 
The  coward's  blood  for  this  crime  should  atone. 
The  Maya  nation  mourns — be  thine  the  task 
To  see  the  culprit  found — 'tis  all  \ve  ask." 

Aac's  features  changed,  with  ardor  he  exclaimed — 
"  Not  so  !  no  blameless  man  shall  be  defamed 
For  what  my  passion  wrought — all  mine  the  guilt ! 
No  clemency  beg  I — do  as  thou  wilt." 

There  spake  Aac's  better  self;  just  thought  inbred 
Outbreathed.     With  pity  touched,  Moo's  loathing  fled. 
Nor  could  a  child  of  Can  know  aught  of  fear; 
Aac  boldly  stood,  the  Pontiffs  word  to  hear. 

"Thou  shalt  live  on  ;  hast  made  thyself  accurst ! 
Not  thus  will  we — let  fools  for  vengeance  thirst. 
From  Chicrien,  go!  thy  face  we  would  not  see. 
An  edict  from  our  hand  shall  safeguard  thee  ; 
For,  mark  this  well,  the  people  soon  must  know 
Prince  Aac  alone  hath  dared  to  deal  the  blow. 


48  QUEEN  M6O'S    TALISMAN. 

I  see  that  war  upon  us  thou  wilt  bring, 
And  finally,  thyself  proclaim  as  king. 
Afflicted  Moo  will  feel  thy  cruel  ire  ; 
Thus  wilt  thou  weave  for  thee  a  fate  most  dire. 
Myself,  thy  elder  brother,  thou'lt  degrade  ; 
Cans'  dynasty  shall  fall,  by  thee  betrayed." 

Thus  forth  from  royal  city  Aac  was  sent, 
Empowered  on  native  soil  where'er  he  went, 
To  live  in  princely  state,  with  means  endowed, 
While  unto  law  and  Sovereign's  will  he  bowed. 


IV. 


UN-ScoRCHED,  for  tears  athirst  was  Chichen's  square  ; 

The  funeral  bed  'mid  wailing  crowds  rose  there. 
Here  many  noble  structures  had  a  place, 
With  carvings  reel  and  gold  upon  their  face. 
The  lofty  stronghold  in  their  midst,  appeared 
Like  pyramid  of  human  beings  reared  ; 
FYom  base  to  summit  on  each  side  were  seen 
Brave  men  who  for  tljeir  chief  felt  sorrow  keen. 
On  temple's  mound  crowds  flocked  to  view  the  square, 
And  hum  of  million  voices  filled  the  air. 
Each  road  that  led  within  the  city  wall 
Was  packed  with  mourning  populace  ;  and  all 
Betrayed  the  grief  they  felt.     The  flowers  fair 
In  well-kept  beds,  the  burden  seemed  to  share 
Of  nation's  woe  ;  all  drooped  their  dainty  heads, 
Entreating  those  sweet  tears  that  heaven  sheds. 

(49) 


50  QUEEN  MtiO'S   TALISMAN. 

With  Priestess  Nicte,  Moo  was  near  the  pyre, 

To  light  the  cedar  logs  with  sacred  fire. 

Piled  high  were  these,  with  odorous  plants  between  ; 

And  many  lovely  garlands  too  were  seen. 

The  priests  in  flowing  robes  were  stationed  round  : 

By  solemn  rite  the  rank  of  each  was  bound. 

First  those  in  yellow  clad,  the  sun-god's  sheen  ; 

Then  soothing  wisdom-ray,  fair  nature's  green  ; 

The  next  in  line  of  blue  robes  made  display, 

Grief  sanctified — the  mourners  sad  array, 

Beyond  stood  many  others  all  in  white  ; 

And  last,  full  armed  as  ready  for  the  fight, 

The  orators  of  war,  in  gowns  of  red,— 

Their  ardent  words  to  victory  oft  had  led. 

Long  lance  they  bore,  as  on  the  battle  field 

Where  glowed  their  eloquence — nor  would  one  yield, 

Except  to  Yum  Cimil,  but  onward  pressed 

And  dauntless  to  the  last  urged  on  the  rest. 

These  now  restrained  the  crowd  that  thronged  the  ground 

In  that  vast  square  no  tearless  eye  was  found. 

Moo's  sister  Nicte,  priestess  of  the  Light, 
Sustained  the  hapless  Queen  thro'  funeral  rite. 
Coh's  heart,  concealed  within  a  close  shut  urn, 
Was  near  the  corpse,  to  char  while  that  should  burn. 
That  flames  might  higher  leap  and  quick  consume, 
Fine  scented  oils,  the  hot  air  to  perfume, 


QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN.  51 

By  priestly  hand  were  lavishly  out-poured 
Upon  the  shroud  of  him  whom  all  deplored. 

Around  the  pyre,  with  measured  step  and  slow, 
His  comrades,  arms  reversed,  must  three  times  go 
Unto  the  left,  anear  the  funeral  bed, 
That  evil  spirits  might  not  reach  the  dead. 
Thrice  round  they  went,  their  object  to  attain, 
All  chanting  as  they  marched,  a  solemn  strain. 

At  signal  given  by  trumpets'  ringing  sound, 
Hushed  was  the  wailing  of  the  crowd  around. 
Moo  grasped  the  torch  that  would,  from  body  dead, 
Release  the  soul  yet  linked  to  funeral  bed. 
Alone  she  set  ablaze  the  corners  four— 
A  sacred  right  none  could  dispute,  nay  more  ! — 
Her  duty  'twas  as  true  and  loving  wife, 
To  light  the  wood,  speeding  the  soul  to  life 
Or  dreamless  sleep,  the  Will  Supreme  to  bide. 
The  multitude,  when  Moo  the  torch  applied, 
Upon  their  knees,  their  brows  to  earth,  were  bowed 
Until  the  priests,  "  Arise  !  All's  well !  "  cried  loud. 

The  priests  and  mourners  now,  each  one  in  place, 
Around  the  pyre,  with  sad  and  measured  pace, 
Unto  the  right,  three  times  the  way  must  tread  ; 
To  honor  thus  the  memory  of  their  dead. 


52  QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN. 

And  when  the  hero's  form  was  wrapped  in  fire, 
Two  mated  doves,  pure  white,  loosed  near  the  pyre, 
Up  soared — of  liberated  soul  the  sign, 
From  prison  freed,  no  fetter  to  confine  ; 
Yet  more,  fair  symbols  of  creative  force, 
Of  life  and  death  and  all  that  is,  the  Source. 

The  grace  divine  was  fervently  implored 
While  hissed  the  leaping  flame  and  loudly  roared. 
Transparent  burned  the  wood  with  ruddy  glare  ; 
Melodious  voices  rose  o'er  trumpet  blare  : 

Thro'  earth-life  our  footsteps  lead, 

Guide  us  into  peace  eternal, 
Till  from  all  desire  we're  freed, 

And  perceive  Thy  Light  Supernal. 

Down  sank  the  pile  ;  priests  chanting  nearer  drew 
And  on  expiring  flames  sweet  incense  threw. 

Speed  thee  now  to  realm  of  bliss, 
Cast  aside  the  thought  of  strife, 

Tho'  each  eye  thy  face  will  miss 
And  we  mourn  thee  all  our  life  ! 

Intoned  the  priests  and  slow  their  bodies  swayed, 
The  dying  embers  fanned,  and  singing  stayed 
While  these  by  murm'ring  winds  were  borne  away — 
List  where  they  might,  they  would  life's  law  obey. 


53- 


Plate  VI, 


QUEEN  M60'S    TALISMAN.  53 

Afar  they  floated  on  the  zephyr's  wing  : 
No  triumph  now  would  Coh  to  Mayas  bring. 
Disconsolate,  the  Queen  in  anguish  cried  : 
"  Would  that  I  had  with  my  beloved  died ! 
Why  tarry  here  ?     My  soul  entreats  release  ! 
I  too  will  sleep  on  Death's  soft  couch  of  peace." 
From  thought  so  weak,  by  Nicte  she  was  freed 
And  tottering  reason  saved  from  foolish  deed. 

Then  came  the  date  of  Mu,  the  thirteenth  day, 
When  hearts  of  noble  men  were  laid  away. 
Where  sacred  fire  had  liberated  Coh, 
The  people  once  again  were  lost  in  woe. 

Beneath  the  earth,  shut  close  in  virgin  urn, 
Wherein  it  safe  would  bide  the  soul's  return, 
The  heart  of  hero  slain  was  put  to  rest 
By  those  who  in  its  love  were  more  than  blest. 
Before  the  marble  lid  closed  o'er  the  urn, 
Upon  that  heart  for  which  she'd  ever  yearn 
The  widowed  Queen  with  loving  homage  laid 
Her  Talisman,  at  Cay's  order  made  ; 
By  his  strong  will  invested  for  her  sake 
With  qualities  she  ever  might  partake. 

Thus  from  the  day  this  gift  became  her  own, 
When  she'd  been  warned  its  loss  might  her  dethrone, 
The  gem  had  nestled  close  about  her  heart. 
But  now,  most  eager  she  with  this  to  part ; 


54  QUEEN  MOO'S    TALISMAN. 

For  Cay  had  affirmed  its  force  could  bind 
Two  souls  thro'  time,  if  she  the  way  would  find. 
Coh  gone,  could  Moo  rejoice  on  sovereign  throne  ? 
Ah  no !  far  rather  than  a  Queen  alone, 
A  fugitive  she'd  be  in  boundless  space, 
Assured  she  would  at  last  behold  his  face. 

When  talisman  touched  heart,  a  great  calm  fell 
O'er  Moo  ;  to  think  they  would  together  dwell 
Once  more,  they  two,  within  her  mind  distilled 
A  solace  sweet  that  all  her  being  filled. 
Should  earth  recall  them,  as  in  time  it  must, 
Each  would  the  other  seek  in  perfect  trust  ; 
From  spheres  of  bliss,  if  parted,  they  would  strive 
To  meet  again  and  keep  love's  pain  alive. 

Close  by  the  urn  a  counterpart  of  Coh 

Was  set  ;  as  long  as  that  endured  below, 

Desiring  thus,  he  could  to  earth  return 

If  e'er  his  soul  for  mortal  life  should  yearn. 

Walled  close  around,  cut  from  a  solid  block, 

That  statue  could  the  fleeting  ages  mock. 

Secure  from  tempest  and  from  mortal  eyes, 

This  form  Coh's  will  alone  might  bid  arise. 

The  pose  it  had  been  given  showed  regal  state, 

The  boundary  lines  of  Maya  Empire  great ; 

Where  Cans,  for  justice  famed,  long  ruled  ;  rich  land 

Of  men  renowned  for  actions  brave  and  grand. 


55- 


Plate  VIL 


QUEEN  MtiO'S   TALISMAN.  55 

Now  on  the  spot  a  monument  was  reared, 
On  four  sides  marble  steps  ;  and  there  appeared 
The  emblems  royal  carved  in  fine  white  stone  ; 
A  leopard  crowning  all,  Coh's  name  made  known. 

The  tomb  complete,  Moo  likewise  built  a  shrine 
In  honor  of  the  Prince  now  hailed  divine. 
Of  grand  proportions  stood  that  edifice  ; 
No  charm  that  art  could  lend  would  one  there  miss. 
Here  faithful  hearts  might  manes  sometimes  greet, 
And  on  the  altar  lay  an  offering  meet. 
On  walls  within  the  artist  toiled  amain, 
Portraying  there  the  life  of  chieftain  slain. 
On  outer  wall  was  graved  a  loving  thought — 
Her  Consort's  mem'ry  thus  the  Queen  besought : 
"  Cay  witness  beareth — earnestly  doth  Moo 
Hereby  invoke  her  warrior-prince,  great  Coh ! " 


V. 


ND  yet  again  Aac  dared  his  cause  to  plead, 

His  hand  out  reached  that  Moo  might  love  concede. 
Mad  !  mad  !  he  surely  was — Can  one  plant  deep 
The  seed  of  hate,  and  then  hope  love  to  reap  ? 

Events  that  Cay  had  foretold  drew  near  ; 
For  self-willed  Aac  cast  o'er  the  land  dark  fear. 
Enraged,  a  pretext  he  failed  not  to  seek 
For  war  ;  and  soon  he  caused  the  soil  to  reek 
With  blood  of  men  ;  for  him  they  bravely  fought, 
And  led  by  him  dire  devastation  wrought. 
When  nearly  all  the  land  bowed  'neath  his  sway, 
Once  more  he  tried  with  her  to  have  his  way  ; 
By  messenger  himself  would  thus  demean  : 
"To  Moo,  Aac  yields,  if  she  will  be  his  queen." 

Could  mortal  strive  to  rouse  with  greater  zeal 
Fierce  hate  and  pity  kill  ?     Her  fall,  his  weal, 

(57) 


58  QUEEN  M6&S    TALISMAN. 

He'd  thus  make  one.     His  queen !     O  hateful  thought! 
'Twas  plain  the  war  that  he  ungrateful  sought, 
Had  prompted  been  by  fixed  desire  to  reign, 
And  with  the  throne  its  Queen  too  he'd  obtain. 
With  just  wrath  filled  Moo  scorned  the  victor's  plea — 
Lose  all  she  rather  would,  her  palace  flee. 

Too  soon  indeed  was  this  to  come  about, 

Cay's  prophecy  no  longer  one  could  doubt ; 

For  Aac  without  delay  acquired  new  force, 

Nor  cared  who  fell  beneath  his  reckless  course. 

At  last  exulted  he  in  Moo's  defeat, 

And  deeds  were  done  that  time  could  ne'er  delete. 

The  noble  Pontiff  was  at  once  abased 

By  Aac,  who  deeply  thus  himself  disgraced. 

When  Moo's  defenders  lay  around  her  slain, 
Her  freedom  she  no  longer  could  retain  ; 
Then  captive  she  was  led  to  meet  her  fate. 
Within  Aac's  breast  now  battled  love  and  hate. 
Yet  dared  he  not  that  heinous  sin  commit, 
Compel  what  woman's  heart  would  not  permit. 
He  hoped  she  soon  would  plead  to  be  set  free, 
And  since  all  else  was  lost  for  her  could  she 
Withstand  his  ever  strong  desire  ?     Relent 
She  must — to  be  his  consort  now  consent. 

Moo  looked  for  death  ;  she  would  surrender  life, 
Escaping  thus  all  further  pain  and  strife. 


QUEEN  MdO'S    TALISMAN.  59 

But  jailers  were  by  faithful  friends  embroiled  ; 
At  heavy  cost  Prince  Aac's  designs  they  foiled. 
Success  was  theirs,  and  guarding  her  with  care, 
'They  gained  the  coast,  great  oceans  storms  to  dare. 

"  Dear  native  land,  where  tender  mem'ries  cling, 

No  other  spot  such  happy  years  can  bring !  " 

Thus  to  himself  each,  silent,  said.     The  past 

Knew  no  appeal  ;  the  lot  of  all  was  cast ; 

The  future  might,  perchance,  hold  something  yet. 

And  when  the  sun  arose,  the  sails  were  set, 

That  all  might  find  on  distant,  foreign  shore, 

New  homes,  where  peace  would  bless  their  days  once  more. 

Devoted  subjects  they,  renouncing  all 

To  rescue  captive  Queen,  whose  complete  fall 

From  sovereign  power  forbade  a  hope  of  gain  ; 

Their  only  wish  to  save  her  further  pain. 

Thus  they  with  her  now  fled  from  Aac's  mad  hate, 

Untouched  by  fear  of  what  might  them  await. 

Afar  the  voyagers  went  from  place  to  place, 
And  sta)ed  at  length  where  men  of  Maya  race — 
Bold  navigators  they  for  centuries  back- 
Had  made  a  home,  and  nothing  there  could  lack. 


Page  6r. 


Plate  VIIL 


VI. 


HUS  Aac  remained  with  power  complete  at  last ; 

But  all  his  triumph  was  by  gloom  o'ercast ; 
He  writhed  in  torture  when,  each  night,  he  thought 
How  great  the  cost  at  which  his  throne  was  bought. 
Worse  yet,  he'd  lost  the  stake  for  which  he  played — 
To  fail  in  winning  Moo,  all  else  outweighed. 
Upon  his  soul  wrath  preyed  till  spent;  and  now 
Dark  melancholy  hovered  o'er  his  brow. 
Unsatisfied,  unresting,  ne'er  at  ease, 
Seek  where  he  might,  nothing  in  life  could  please. 
Alone  he  ruled,  none  dared  his  word  gainsay  ; 
But  this  could  not  his  discontent  allay. 

'Twas  not  remorse  that  ever  brought  him  pain, 
But  fierce  regret  that  he  had  failed  to  gain 
That  chief  desire  of  his  unyielding  will : 
This  bitter  thought  his  mind  would  ever  fill. 

(61) 


62  QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN. 

Defied  and  baffled  in  his  hour  of  might, 
He  hated  all  who  had  contrived  Moo's  flight. 
Each  one  suspected  quickly  met  dark  fate  ; 
But  cruel  deeds  could  not  Aac's  ire  abate. 
By  passion  swayed  like  tree  in  tempest  blast, 
All  wish  for  good  and  right  aside  he  cast. 
One  satisfaction  yet  remained  to  him  — 
The  flight  of  time  should  not  his  victory  dim ; 
His  palace  walls  should  bear  upon  their  face, 
In  carvings  deep  that  time  would  ne'er  erase, 
His  triumph  over  all  who  strove  in  vain 
To  hold  him  back  from  what  he  would  attain. 
And  thus  'twas  writ  above  his  palace  door, 
Above  the  polished,  crimson-painted  floor. 

Now  came  the  days  when  Mayas  knew  no  peace 
'Neath  Aac's  harsh  rule,  and  war  that  did  not  cease. 
With  sacred  rite  they  strove  to  know  the  will 
Of  Can  the  Good ;  response  came  not,  yet  still 
They  plead  ;  by  holy  fire  would  feign  invoke 
Some  aid;  and  mystic  power  at  last  awoke 
To  seer's  gaze  the  mighty  Can  of  old, 
Whose  visage  stern  and  sad  his  sorrow  told. 
No  hope  or  promise  in  that  face  was  read ; 
The  country  still  would  be  by  tyrant  bled. 

Again  the  seers  besought,  and  Coh  appeared — 
Brave  prince  who  had  to  all  himself  endeared— 


QUEEN  MOO'S    TALISMAN.  63 

Averted  was  his  gaze,  his  hands  upraised, 
Aggrieved  he  seemed  to  be  and  sore  amazed  ; 
But  not  a  word  expressed  ;  no  hope  gave  he 
That  from  the  tyrant  Aac  they  might  be  free. 

There  came  a  final  day  of  vengeance  dire, 
When  subjects  turned  upon  their  haughty  Sire. 
E'en  to  this  time  may  yet  be  seen  the  place 
Where  he  was  killed  by  one  of  Maya  race  ; 
Where  last  he  took  his  stand  upon  that  height 
Within  his  palace  grounds,  there  forced  to  fight 
In  self-defence  or  yield  to  prisoner's  lot ; 
Restraint  his  outraged  subjects  planned.     T  was  not 
Their  wish,  e'en  now,  to  slay  the  wilful  man 
Whose  being  throbbed  with  blood  of  honored  Can. 

Aac  towered  there  amid  his  fallen  men, 

Defiant,  raging,  livid,  and  'twas  then 

That  one  named  Pacab  flung  his  arms  aside, 

Approached  the  Prince,  and  as  he  neared  him  cried — 

"Now  yield  thyself;  we  would  not  do  thee  wrong  ; 

Full  well  we  know  all  rights  to  thee  belong. 

Thy  safety  we  desire  and  not  thy  life, 

Tho'  thou  hast  filled  our  land  with  grief  and  strife." 

With  one  fell  blow  Aac  struck  the  speaker  dead, 
Then  shook  the  dripping  axe  above  his  head. 
But  scarce  the  deed  was  done  when  from  the  crowd 
An  elder  man  leaped  forth  and  wailed  aloud— 


64  QUEEN  MdO'S   TALISMAN. 

"  My  son  !  my  son  !  avenged  thou  now  shalt  be  ; 
Thy  life  destroyed,  no  Prince  is  there  for  me!" 

This  said,  he  sprang  upon  the  stalwart  Aac 
Like  maddened  brute  and  roared — "  Thy  soul  is  black ! 
Defend  thy  life  ;  strike  swift  or  breathe  thy  last !  " 
While  yet  he  spake  his  blows  fell  thick  and  fast ; 
Then  Aac,  in  flaming  wrath,  stabbed  deep  his  foe  ; 
Their  blood  in  mingling  stream  was  quick  to  flow. 
'Twas  fierce  and  brief,  the  Prince  was  first  to  fall, 
But  wounded  unto  death,  beyond  recall, 
Was  he  who  thus  avenged  his  country's  woes 
And  brought  the  reign  of  Aac  to  tragic  close. 


VII. 


HERE  flows  the  river  Nile,  the  Queen  found  rest ; 
There  once  again  her  days  with  peace  were  blest. 
Upon  that  soil  where  welcome  frank  was  found, 
Did  Moo  a  giant  Sphinx  from  out  the  ground 
Cause  to  arise,  and  thus  Coh's  fame  renew  ? 
Did  she  immortalize  her  consort  true  ? 

As  child  of  Can  the  natives  called  her  Queen  ; 
Their  ancestors  Cans'  subjects  all  had  been. 
Moo  reigned  again,  and  many  a  year  she  dwelt 
In  Chem,  the  Land  of  Boats.     There  too  she  felt 
Her  call  to  liberty,  and  passed  away, 
Rejoiced  at  last  the  summons  to  obey. 

41  Now  cometh  bliss !  the  flesh  doth  loose  its  hold  ; 
Death's  tender  kiss  will  leave  it  still  and  cold. 
Upon  my  weary  brow  the  veil  of  Night 

Descends  ;  my  soul  leaps  forth  to  joyous  flight ! 

(65) 


66  QUEEN  MdO'S    TALISMAN. 

O  touch  my  heart  with  thy  all-healing  balm 
Oblivion  sweet!   now  lull  me  in  thy  calm," 
Moo  yearned  for  this.     Then  fell  upon  her  ear 
A  voice — "  Blessed  are  they  who  know  not  fear! 
The  Heart  of  Heaven  e'er  radiates  love's  light, 
And  soul  released  finds  nothing  to  affright 
Save  visions  false  of  terror,  bred  by  creeds, 
And  deep  remorse  that  gnaws  at  evil  deeds." 

Soul  stirred,  awoke  and  saw !   Herself  Moo  found. 
Was  this  the  law,  tho'  not  to  body  bound, 
To  still  live  on  ?     What  time  in  nothingness 
Had  fled  ?     Since  she  besought  unconsciousness 
Had  ages  sped  ?     And  now  appeared  her  guide, 
Cay,  whom  long  she  mourned  when  he  had  died. 
His  clear  calm  eyes  again  she  searched  amazed  ; 
Their  power  thrilled  and  drew  her  as  she  gazed. 

Then  murmured  she — "  If  this  be  happy  dream 
Let  me  dream  on."     O  Light!  thy  wondrous  beam 
Throughout  creation  glows,  now  and  for  aye, 
If  Will  Omnipotent  ordaineth  day. 
Thy  rays  are  harmonies,  celestial  Light ! 
Because  thou  art,  there  is  no  endless  night. 
Earth's  weary  children  long  for  deep  repose  ; 
But  from  the  glorious  light  all  music  flows. 
As  night  and  day  forever  alternate, 
In  darkest  silence  life  doth  germinate. 


QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN.  67 

No  mortal  can  conceive  th'  entrancing  sounds 
That  greet  the  spirit  freed  from  terrene  bounds. 
Could  love's  effulgence  from  supernal  spheres 
But  reach  the  mortal  eye  bedimmed  with  tears, 
A  solace  sweet  as  rain  on  sun-parched  leaf 
Would  fall  on  those  bereft  and  bowed  with  grief. 
No  more  would  Death  a  bitter  foe  appear  ; 
Kind  Hope  and  Faith  would  banish  Doubt  and  Fear. 

To  Moo  awaked  another  rapture  flowed — 
Coh's  eyes  with  love  unquenched  before  her's  glowed. 
O  Love !  thou  art  the  power  of  life,  the  force 
That  lifts  the  soul  ;  Divinity  thy  source. 
Ignoble  things  thy  presence  doth  redeem, 
Sweet  breath  of  God !  most  holy  and  supreme ! 
Eternal  thou,  throughout  the  boundless  space  ; 
Thy  purity  no  act  can  e'er  abase. 
Deep  passion  broods  pent  up,  in  matter  dark  ; 
Death  comes,  and  there  upon  his  gliding  bark 
Reality  appears  ;  soul  finds  its  own- 
Pure  Love  released,  unmasked,  stands  forth  alone, 

By  man  has  time  been  made  the  gauge  of  Earth. 
What  cares  the  soul  in  realm  of  spirit  birth 
How  oft  around  spin  globes  above,  below  ? 
Of  happiness  do  beings  weary  grow  ? 
Must  they  return — again  to  feel  the  throes 
Of  matter's  strife — from  passionless  repose  ? 


SEQUEL 

AGES  LATER. 
I. 


HILE  mortals  slept  and  stars  lit  up  its  bed, 
Ere  Phoebus  smiled  the  infant's  soul  had  fled. 

Kissed  by  the  god  of  day,  a  blue-eyed  boy 
Sprang  from  his  couch,  with  eager  love  and  joy. 
White  twinkling  feet  then  ran  across  the  floor 
To  Natalie,  as  many  a  morn  before. 
Death's  mystery  to  him  was  yet  untaught; 
The  lifeless  babe  no  dread  to  his  mind  brought  ; 
To  mother's  arms  he  bore  the  drooping  form — 
"Poor  baby  cold!  make  pretty  sister  warm." 

The  lustrums  sped.     A  girl  of  lightsome  heart 

Was  told,  "  He  comes!  with  him  thou  must  depart." 

(69) 


70  QUEEN  M6&S   TALISMAN. 

To  find  her  in  the  East,  he  sailed  from  West, 
Responsive  to  the  power  of  soul's  request. 
Resistless  forces  bade  her  go  fulfill 
The  part  that  she,  by  her  own  human  will 
Had  planned  upon  a  day,  when  swayed  by  love 
She  would  her  consort  find,  on  earth,  above, 
Wherever  might  he  dwell  there  too  would  she  : 
Attachments  deep  can  bind  like  stern  decree. 

To  learn  the  past,  to  Maya-land  both  turned, 
But  no  faint  ray  of  mem'ry  in  them  burned. 
Altho'  he  murmured  in  a  certain  place — 
"Familiar  'tis,  there's  something  I  would  trace." 

As  Maya  chief  reborn,  men  of  the  soil 
Hailed  him,  and  led  by  him  would  patient  toil 
In  forest  depths,  'mid  desert  mansions  old 
And  temples  drear — their  history  to  unfold. 

Within  a  white  stone  urn  in  ancient  tomb, 
Charred  heart  and  talisman  lay  in  the  gloom . 
To  her  he  gave  the  gem, — "  Now  take  thine  own, 
I  pray ;  henceforth  it  must  be  thine  alone." 

In  dancing  flame  the  mortal  dust  from  urn 
Was  thrown.     "  A  form  ascends  from  what  doth  burn!" 
The  natives  loud  exclaimed,  "  A  princely  shade 
That  into  nothingness  doth  quickly  fade." 


QUEEN  MO O'S   TALISMAN.  71 

When  evening  came,  and  all  from  work  reposed, 

They  told  the  white  man  why  the  things  inclosed 

Were  found  by  him  :     "Thou  art  returned  once  more 

From  long  enchanted  sleep ;  wast  here  before." 

To  this,  both  earnestly  responded — "Nay," 

But  nothing  changed  ;  the  men  thought  their  own  way. 


II. 


A  NT  A  STIC  thought  cut  loose  from  reason  cool 
Are  dreams  wherein  the  wisest  play  the  fool. 
Can  dreams  be  memories  ?     Are  some  portents  ? 
Who  knows?     His  ignorance  man  still  laments. 

The  woman  dreamed  among  the  Ruins  gray, 
Where  moon  shines  in  at  night  and  sun  by  day 
On  crumbling  floors  where  powdered  bones  thick  lie 
And  glistening  serpents  glide  with  gleaming  eye. 

Now  as  she  seemed  to  roam  in  palace  drear, 

A  man  in  rich  and  strange  attire  drew  near, 

Bemoaning  thus  :  4<  May  every  wind  and  leaf 

Re-echo  now  my  wail  of  hopeless  grief! 

In  mercy  shine  upon  my  endless  woe, 

Great  Sun !  from  whom  all  life  and  light  outflow. 

(73) 


74  QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN. 

Here  crouches  Aac,  alone  from  age  to  age — 
Absorb  me  now,  my  wretchedness  assuage ! 
Remorse,  to  thee  I  said,  '  Return  no  more ' — 
Thou  shalt  not  stay  to  goad  me  as  before ! 

0  Light  Eternal!  bid  this  mem'ry  die 
While  penitent  upon  the  ground  I  lie. 
Tho'  long  the  years  of  anguish  I  have  spent, 
The  worm  gnaws  on  as  if  'twould  ne'er  relent." 
He  prayed  and  wept.     Response  came  from  above- 
A  woman's  voice  replied  with  pitying  love. 

Up  started  he — "  Hush!  hush  !  thou  knowest  not, 

But  I  know  who  thou  art.     O  bitter  lot ! 

To  jealous  frenzy  I  became  a  slave 

And  vilely  slew  my  brother  true  and  brave, 

Thus  casting  o'er  my  sister's  life  a  blight. 

Still  mad  with  rage  and  lost  to  sense  of  right, 

1  crushed  my  elder  brother  in  my  wrath  ; 
Tho'  Pontiff  he,  I  swept  him  from  my  path." 

"  My  vicious  mood  led  many  where  they  fell  ; 

I  lied  to  them  that  they  might  serve  me  well. 

No  fiery  couch  was  lit  for  heroes  slain  ; 

Now  I  could  crawl  o'er  moldering  bones,  and  fain 

Would  lick  their  dust — so  low  my  haughty  head — 

I,  lord  of  all!  for  whom  their  blood  was  shed. 

A  tyrant  harsh,  imbittered  I  became ; 

Nor  could  my  soul's  rebuke  awaken  shame. 


QUEEN  M6O'S    TALISMAN.  75 

O  Mother!  drop  thy  tears  ;  accurst  for  aye 

Am  I !  the  drouth  of  this,  my  land,  allay. 

Send  down  thy  light,  Great  Sun ! "  he  cried  aloud, 

"  Let  me  forget!  with  mortal  form  endowed." 

To  her  he  turned  again  : — "  Forgive!  forgive  ! 
Earth-born  thro'  thee,  ah!  let  me  once  more  live. 
My  crimes  and  victories,  my  soul 's  defeat, 
My  anguish  and  remorse,  wilt  thou  repeat ; 
For  thus  alone  new  life  may  dawn  for  me — 
In  solitude  I've  long  awaited  thee." 

A  falling  tear  the  sighing  dreamer  woke : 
No  mem'ry  of  the  past  could  she  evoke. 


Ill 


m 

GAIN  the  Talisman,  now  set  in  gold, 

Was  worn  by  woman  as  in  days  of  old. 
She  asked  herself,  "  Doth  mystery  lurk  herein? 
Can  we  from  this  some  hidden  knowledge  win  ? 
Perhaps  for  us  there  is  a  task  to  do, 
Of  bygone  times  some  link  to  find  anew. 
Cold  stone !  if  dowered  thou  by  magic  deep, 
What  then — if  silence  thou  must  ever  keep? 
Jadeite  grey-green,  by  ancients  called  divine, 
Till  Earth  grow  cold  this  talisman  may  shine  ; 
As  it  hath  seen  long  eons  in  the  past, 
So  may  it  yet  man's  memory  outlast." 

Twas  thus  the  dreamer  meditating  thought, 
Till  by  her  strong  desire  some  rays  were  caught. 

(77) 


78  QUEEN  M6&S    TALISMAN, 

A  mystic  clue  this  stone  of  magic,  yea, 
To  scenes  of  long  ago — but  find  the  way. 
Like  other  million  forms,  stone  hath  a  soul, 
A  spark  divine  of  God  the  Perfect  Whole. 
Then  heard  the  woman  toying  with  the  stone  : 
"  With  power  was  this  endowed  for  thee  alone." 

What  voice  thus  spake  from  mind  to  mind  ?     No  sound 
The  silence  broke,  wherein  her  thought  was  bound. 

"  'Tis  I,  among  Earth's  men  thy  friend  of  old  ; 
In  times  long  past  this  page  I  thee  foretold  ; 
For  thou  hast  been  in  this,  his  present  life, 
His  sister  one  brief  year ;  thou  art  his  wife. 
Attachments  deep  and  strong  are  ties  that  bind  ; 
We  ever  take  the  skein  again  to  wind 
Ourselves  about  with  bonds  that  draw  us  back, 
And  which  none  other  than  ourselves  can  slack. 
He  came  to  give  the  ancient  Maya  race 
Its  right — on  history's  page  a  noble  place. 
He  would  to  light  restore  what's  hid  away, 
And  throw  upon  the  past  a  clearer  ray." 

"When  we  outgrow  desire  for  mundane  things — 
Which  are  but  means — our  spirit  finds  its  wings. 
When  universal  love  and  light  are  all 
We  crave,  no  power  of  earth  can  us  inthrall. 
Peace  comes  alone  through  matter,  which  is  strife ; 
Right  effort  lifts  the  soul  to  purer  life. 


QUEEN  MOO'S    TALISMAN.  79 

To  do  his  best  is  all  man  knows  of  right — 
Observing  this,  he  finds  the  spirit's  might. 
To  dread  the  Great  Unknown  is  bondage  vile 
For  man  ;  this  fear  's  a  sin  that  doth  defile 
The  thought  and  deed  of  multitudes.     In  space 
No  depth  is  found  where  evil  can  efface 
Love's  holy,  constant,  all-pervading  ray  ; 
Go  where  soul  will,  it  need  feel  no  dismay. 
Peace  dwells  in  Heart  of  Heaven,  eternal  Ku  ; 
But  in  the  rugged  paths  that  lead  thereto 
With  turmoil  finite  being  makes  its  way — 
Tho'  none  know  why  or  whither,  all  obey. 

The  clasping  hand  let  fall  the  talisman 

Placed  centuries  agone,  by  child  of  Can, 

To  serve  as  link  with  mortal  heart  in  urn. 

"  Save  me  from  self!   I  would  no  more  return." 

The  woman  breathed.     Then  at  her  side  appeared 

A  radiant  form  : — "  As  nothing  should  be  feared 

In  all  the  vast  infinity  of  Good, 

The  good  is  here  ;  and  if  all  mortals  would 

Aspire  to  truth  and  from  ill  thought  refrain, 

Each  could  his  share  of  happiness  attain. 

No  more  for  safety  from  thyself  appeal, 

Thine  higher  self  doth  now  itself  reveal ; 

Its  voice  obey,  for  thus  thou  wilt  be  free 

To  seek  and  find  the  joys  awaiting  thee." 


8o  QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN. 

The  road  thro'  many  lives  each  one  must  tread, 
And  by  experience  be  onward  led. 
Man's  creed  saves  not,  but  effort  for  the  right ; 
Each  his  own  savior  is,  thro'  valiant  fight : 
Endeavor,  not  success,  makes  his  account. 
Condole  we  may,  but  not  reproach  ;  all  mount 
The  heights ;  tho'  some  may  tarry  long  behind ; 
The  law  of  being,  each  to  all  doth  bind." 

"  Our  blundering  steps  oft  bring  upon  us  woe ; 
To  fail  to  strive  entails  a  keener  throe. 
The  hounded,  luckless  inmate  of  the  jail 
May  greater  effort  make,  without  avail, 
Than  judge  who  sits  upon  the  bench  to  give 
Decree — if  prisoner  may  or  may  not  live. 
For  one,  the  right  may  be  an  easy  way ; 
In  vain  the  other  struggles  to  obey 
Himself,  the  spark  divine  that  seeks  to  guide 
Thro'  matter's  maze,  and  with  him  e'er  will  'bide 
Go  where  he  may,  in  crime,  in  paths  of  pain  ; 
Till  step  by  step,  the  summit  he  shall  gain." 

"The  woes  we  feel ;  the  failures  we  deplore  ; 

Are  only  means  to  reach  a  fairer  shore. 

When  body  falls  to  dust  and  soul  escapes, 

The  thoughts  that  grieved  fade  too,  like  phantom  shapes. 

No  judge  is  there  to  measure  out  our  doom, 

Or  thrust  us  into  everlasting  gloom. 


QUEEN  M6O'S    TALISMAN.  81 

Ourselves  we  may  condemn  if  we  have  failed 
To  do  our  best.     But  man  has  oft  bewailed 
As  sin  some  harmless  deed,  and  cast  no  blame 
On  other  acts  that  should  bear  stamp  of  shame." 

"This  truth  thou  may'st  enshrine  within  thy  heart: 
Of  Life  and  Love  Eternal  we  are  part ; 
The  Will  Supreme  is  One,  and  lives  in  all ; 
This  God,  our  holy  self,  can  never  fall. 
WILL  is  the  law ;  then  will  the  right,  for  aye ! 
Right  will  is  all  that  mortal  need  obey." 
Art  bound  to  flesh  ? — thy  spirit  thus  decreed  ; 
This  thou  shalt  realize  again  when  freed. 
Would'st  thou  repose  ?     Resume  the  active  way  ? 
Thus  shall  it  be  :  none  may  thy  will  gainsay. 

OUR  will  divine  ordains  we  do  OUR  best ; 

If  we  do  this,  the  future  must  attest 

That  where  we  passed  we  made  love's  tendrils  twine 

And  hope's  soft  beam  from  many  an  eye  to  shine. 

Love  may  for  some  mean  but  a  fond  caress  ; 

But  tenderly  to  serve  is  to  express 

Devotion,  love's  best  gift,  whence  doth  ascend 

A  fragrant  incense  which  to  earth  can  lend 

A  sweeter  air,  a  rosier  light,  and  make 

Grand  harmonies  on  mortal  ear  to  break. 

Eternal  Love  upholds  thee,  knows  thy  need  ; 
Thou  art  in  bounteous  life,  accept  its  meecl  ; 


82  QUEEN  MtiO'S    TALISMAN. 

Respond  with  all  the  love  thou  hast.     Receive 
Celestial  Light  and,  if  thy  heart  must  grieve, 
Be  strong  of  soul  ;  nor  turn  away  thine  ear 
From  that  soul's  song,  inspired  by  vision  clear  : 
For  ALL  is  well !     Give  to  despair  no  heed  ; 
Reject  it ;  'tis  a  dank,  pernicious  weed. 

The  darkest  hour,  the  murkiest  place  of  woe, 
The  direst  crime,  most  agonizing  throe, 
Shall  yet  give  way  before  the  Light  Divine 
Which  dwells  in  all  that  is,  and  forth  will  shine. 
List  to  the  melodies  the  soul  doth  sing, 
Vibrating  chords  that  unto  heart  shall  bring 
A  joyous  symphony  whose  voices  give 
Rich  harmonies  that  evermore  will  live. 

Rejoice  in  life ;  rejoice  yet  more  when  Death, 
Whose  holy  kiss  absorbs  our  fleeting  breath, 
Draws  nigh,  a  friend  who  lets  us  out  to  play 
In  broader  fields  of  universal  day. 
Rejoice  for  all  that  lives,  and  all  that  dies  ; 
The  piteous  cry,  the  sunny  smile,  both  rise ; 
For  these  are  prayers  that  will  The  Good  attain, 
Where  all  shall  blend  in  one  triumphant  strain. 


Page  83,  [see  page  38}. 


Plate  XIL 


THE   LOVER'S    SONG. 


Words  and  Melody  by   ALICE   LE  PLONGEON 

Moder.ito 


From"Queen  Moo's  Talisman" 

Accompaniment  by  IDA  SIMMONS. 


i*-r-J—  H  h— 

1     1                  1 

J       J         1 

1  P  ' 

-r  —  J    r  ' 

—  —  i 

gES"  •"  J  
1.  Ah!  bird    so 
2.  Ah!  floweret 

g-ay             n 
fair,            > 

E"  —  *  —  J  — 
'ake  not    thy 
Vith  breath  of 

fHg-ht; 

Morn 

i  r  j  r  i 

With  dul-cet 
Up  -  on    the 

^^  —  i 

lay 
air 

^.,;,£ 

[  j 

r^t^i 
-I. 

2 

^— 

X     [> 

-^  

-j  

My  heart  de  -     lig-ht! 
Thy  per- fume's     borne 


Stay  by    me         here, 
Thy  life's  too        fleet, 


For  thou  art 
For  thou  art 


dear  _ 
sweet 


c 

Hi  — 

,  ^.__ 

ijj 

nt  -""r*r^~- 

j. 

^ 

.r 

,  ' 

I-7  p  « 

r  —  ' 

i'. 

^  

L^-. 

Page  84.,   [see  page  38}. 


Is      yet  more        dear! 
Is      yet  more        sweet 


Tho'  one     I  love 

Tho'  one     I  love 


3.  Ah!  lim-pid       dew,  Fair  pearl  of        Nig-ht_         That  doth  a  - 


new  To    pe- tal       bright         Give  charm  to         lure_  Thou  art  so 


i 


pure!      Tho'  one  I    love       Is  just  as   pure. 


% 


& 


n 


(dim. 


m 


/7N 


Page  85,  {see  page  36}. 


Plate  IX. 


Invocation  to  the  Sun, 


Moderate. 

marc  at  o 


I 


Lord  of      day    we  are  Thine?          On      our     path   deign  to      shine 


Ho-ly      Light!          Mor-tals      glo-ry       in     Thy      might;       When   Night 
~  Ht.  o 


flees  be -fore  Thy   ray        We   our    voi-ces    lift,   and    pray.       Great  Light. 
This  is  also  the  melody  of  the  "PRAYER  TO  THE  RAIN-GODS^ 


[See  page  j<5]. 

Allegretto. 


He  and  She 


Plate  X. 


HE.    Hear  life's  j in- gle,    come  a- long!      All   should  min-gle   with  the  throng. 


Clasp  my   hand,dear,   haste  with  me.       Say   not    nay,    for       I      love  thee! 


SffE.Qmi  thy    non-sense    or      be  T  gone!          I      am    not  thus    light-  ly    won. 


HE  Lets  go     on -ward    to     the    dance;       Give   me    but   one    ten  -  der    glance! 


SHE. 


Cease  thy  teas -ing,  I'll     not     go!          'Tis    de-cid-ed,    thou    must   know. 


life's  jin-gle!    join  the  throng;      Youth  and  pleas- ure  stay  not    long. 


Page  86,  [see  page  37]. 


Moderate. 


Plate  XL 


The  Dancers'  Song. 


On  our    dress   of     spot  -  less     white 


We  are 


*-%-$  — 

*  

=  

.     1  -           i         K    K  1 

w~\ 

ir-  —  ' 

H^  P  1 

•H 

wreath-ing-     g^ar-   lands    brig-ht; 


And  will     sing-,    kiss,     sip,         With 


J    I  J 


laugh-ing-, rud-dy    lip,        Far     a   -   way      in  -    to        the        night. 

Lentando  /^ 


Days  of     glad  -  ness     soon    take      flight ;  Love's  sweet 

/-^  a  tempo 


_ 

J   J 


p  p  ' 


nec-  tar       do       not      slight 
Hi. 


Let  us      sing,     kiss,     sip,      And  light- 


J 


J'        J 


heart-ed    gai-ly    trip,    While  our    vows      we   once   more       plight 

[See  page  38^.  Funeral  Chant.  Plate  XI I L 

Lento.  ^ 


I  j 


^^ 


Thro'    earth-  life      our    foot -steps     lead;  Guide    us 

Speed  thee        now    to     realm    of        bliss,-          Cast   from 


/TN 


1 — ^ 


— t— 

in  -    to      peace     e    -     ter  -    nal; 
thee    all    thought    of        strife; 


Till        from     all        de   -    sire 
Tho       each      eye     thy     ,  face 


we're  freed,  And        per  -   ceive    Thy    Lig-ht 

will      miss;  And         we      mourn   thee      all  _ 


su   -    per  -   nal, 
our      life! 


E7Q8 


